There are many Japanese fruits that you may not know, such as Yuzu, Kinkan, Daidai, Sudachi, and others. In this article, we will talk about these unknown citrus fruits cultivated in Japan.
Citrus fruits are my favorites. In Japan, you can easily find lemon, orange, and tangerine, often of Japanese varieties that can vary in size and flavor. Sometimes sweet or sometimes more sour.
Table of Contents
Yuzu – Japanese Lemon
Yuzu [柚] is a bitter Japanese citrus fruit, being the most well-known Japanese fruit in the West. Yuzu is rarely consumed because it is very bitter, but it is widely used in Japanese cuisine, juices, and beverages.
Its origin is Chinese, but it ended up being labeled as a Japanese fruit. Besides its strong flavor, it is also a strong flavoring agent, used to perfume dishes either whole or grated. It is not very acidic and resembles a mix of lemon and tangerine.
It is worth mentioning other fruits like Kabosu and Shikwasa, which are quite similar to Yuzu. There are also other sour fruits like “ume” and plums.
We recommend reading: Kudamono – Names of Fruits in Japanese
mikan – Japanese Tangerine
Mikan [みかん] is the most common type of Japanese tangerine, usually known as kan (other varieties are Iyokan and Ponkan). Mikan peels easily and has no seeds and is widely popular as a dessert or snack when in season in early winter.
The Mikan was introduced to Japan about 400 years ago, where in the West it is known as tangerine. This is one of the few Japanese fruits exported outside the country. There are differences in its flavor compared to other tangerines found in Brazil.
Kinkan – The Mini Japanese Orange
Kinkan [金柑] is a fruit similar to an orange, but very small, a bit larger than an olive. Its scientific name is Citrus japonica. It can also be known by the names Xinxim, Kumquat, or Fortunella.
In Japan, Kinkan cultivation is mainly located on the island of Kyushu, its fruit grows on a shrub that can reach up to 3 meters, and the fruit-bearing plant is also highly appreciated for ornamental purposes. Kinkan can be consumed whole, its skin is sweet, and inside it is somewhat sour.
The Kinkan orange is good for helping in wound healing and strengthening the body’s immunity. It also has regenerative properties such as lutein, zeaxanthin, carotenoids, and tannins. Kinkan is also rich in minerals, helps in weight loss diets, and combats symptoms of flu and throat issues.
Daidai – Symbol of Longevity
Daidai [橙] is a quite curious fruit; it is a Japanese citrus fruit considered a symbol of longevity in Japan. Its fruit remains on the tree for many years without being consumed; in winter it turns orange, and in summer it goes back to green.
The word Daidai means several generations, and this influenced even the old orange color that was called Daidaiiro [橙色]. The fruit of Daidai is extremely bitter and is rarely consumed. Sometimes it is used in cooking, and its skin is often used for medicine.
The Daidai originated in the Himalayas. It spread through the Yangtze River valley region in China and later became popular in Japan. It is also used as an expectorant and digestive tonic.
Sudachi – Lemon or Orange?
Sudachi [酢橘] are small Japanese citrus fruits, resembling a simple lemon, but are slightly compared to oranges, despite being sour and small. Sudachi is the symbol of Tokushima province, where a large part of the fruit’s production is concentrated.
They are cultivated on Shikoku Island, but are rarely consumed as fruit; they are used in Japanese cuisine, in sushi, soba, desserts, and as decoration. There is also a vinegar made from sudachi.
A slice of this fruit is served with many traditional Japanese dishes, including dishes like fish, soba, udon, nabemono, and even alcoholic beverages. Sudachi, along with yuzu and kabosu, forms the base for Ponzu sauce.
These were some citrus fruits from Japan. Do you know others? We hope to hear your comments and thank you for sharing. Thank you for reading this short article, see you next time!
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