Yumberry is an exotic superfruit that is slowly gaining popularity in the West. Native to eastern Asia, yumberry has been consumed for centuries in countries like China, Japan, and Korea. However, until recently it was virtually unknown in Europe and North America. As global interest in new and nutritious foods increases, the yumberry is poised to become the next big superfruit sensation.

What is Yumberry?

Yumberry is the fruit of the yumberry shrub, which has the scientific name Myrica rubra. It is an evergreen shrub that is part of the Myricaceae family. The yumberry shrub produces small, bright red berries which are sweet yet tart in flavor. The berries are similar in appearance to cranberries or red currants. Yumberries grow in clusters like grapes, maturing from green to bright red when ripe.

Yumberry shrubs thrive in moist, acidic soil and subtropical climates. The major yumberry producing regions are southern China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Yumberries have been harvested from wild shrubs for centuries, but are now also commercially cultivated. The berries are delicate and perishable, which makes exporting them globally challenging. However, producers are finding ways to successfully transport yumberries so they can be enjoyed fresh around the world.

Nutritional Benefits

What makes the yumberry so intriguing from a health perspective is its stellar nutritional profile. Yumberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, making them a superfruit in terms of nutrients. Some of the key nutritional benefits of yumberries include:

High in Vitamin C - One cup of yumberries contains over 160% of your recommended daily intake of immune-boosting vitamin C. This makes them even higher in vitamin C than citrus fruits.

Excellent Source of Antioxidants - Yumberry contains polyphenol antioxidants called anthocyanins which give them their bright red color. These antioxidants help fight free radicals and oxidative stress.

Rich in Vitamin K - Important for blood clotting, vitamin K is found in yumberries at high levels - over 30% of your RDI per cup.

Good Source of Fiber - With 5 grams of fiber per cup, yumberries can help improve digestive health and cholesterol levels.

Provides Vitamin E, Folate, Copper - Yumberries also contain a variety of other vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, folate, manganese and copper.

Their exceptional nutrient content makes yumberries one of the healthiest superfruits available. Ounce for ounce, they pack a more powerful nutritional punch than blueberries or raspberries.

Taste and Uses

In addition to their stellar nutrition, yumberries also deliver when it comes to flavor. Yumberries have a distinct sweet-tart taste that is appealing and addictive. Their flavor is reminiscent of cranberries, cherries, pomegranate and raspberry. The balance of sweetness and tartness makes them intriguing to the palate.

Yumberries are quite versatile fruits that work well in both sweet and savory preparations. Their sweet-tart flavor pairs wonderfully with ingredients like chocolate, nuts, cheese and meat. Here are some of the most popular ways yumberries are enjoyed:

Eaten Fresh - Yumberries hold up well when eaten raw and make a healthy snack or topping. Enjoy their sweet-tart juice by popping them straight in your mouth.

Baked Goods - Mix yumberries into muffins, scones, tarts, pies and crisps. Their flavor elevates everything from breads to desserts.

Yumberry Sauce - Simmer the berries and strain out the seeds to make a sauce perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes or meat.

Salads - Toss yumberries in a fresh spinach salad with nuts and feta or goat cheese for a flavor and antioxidant boost.

Beverages - Add yumberry juice or puree to smoothies, milkshakes, cocktails and sangria.

Meat Glazes and Marinades - Yumberries complement poultry, pork and beef dishes.

Jams and Preserves - Cook yumberries into a spreadable jam. Also delicious as a chutney or relish.

The options for cooking with yumberries are endless. Their versatility and easy, approachable flavor make them an exciting ingredient for both home cooks and restaurants. Yumberries can seamlessly be incorporated into all types of cuisines and dishes.

Availability in the West

While native to Asia, yumberries are starting to gain recognition and popularity in Western nations. Improved cultivation, harvesting and transportation methods have made it easier for yumberries to be exported globally. They are now grown on a small commercial scale in parts of Europe and North America with climates similar to their native region.

Yumberries are also becoming a more common ingredient at grocery stores and farmer's markets in urban areas. Specialty grocers like Whole Foods Market have started stocking fresh yumberries when in season. Their shelf life is limited, so fresh yumberries are generally only available for a few months out of the year. However, frozen, dried, juiced and pulverized yumberry products are making the fruit more accessible year-round.

As knowledge and excitement builds about this superfruit newcomer, it is expected that yumberries will continue to proliferate. Their health benefits, versatile flavor and uniqueness give them great appeal to health-conscious foodies. Within the next several years, yumberries are anticipated to carve out shelf space alongside other superfruit giants like acai, goji berries and pomegranate. The yumberry has a bright future ahead as the next big thing in the superfood world!

Try yumberries for yourself and see why they are becoming so popular. Contact yangkai@winfun-industrial.com to learn more about availability and incorporating yumberries into your offerings.