The name 'Yuzu' may sound new to those outside of Japan, but for the locals, it’s bursting with vibrant, tasty, aromatic, and healthy meanings!
Japanese Lemon?
Yuzu (柚子), a citrus roughly the size of a lemon or tangerine, hails from East Asia but has recently spread its branches to gardens across Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Italy, and France.
With a history stretching back over a thousand years, this fruit is believed to be a hybrid from central China, blending the traits of the mandarin orange and the ichang papeda.
Yoshinogawa yuzu drink featured on ZenPlus
Resembling a bumpy, yellow clementine, Yuzu can shift from green to yellow as it matures. The fruit is celebrated for its intense aroma and usually measures between 5.5 and 7.5 cm in diameter (although it can grow as big as a grapefruit!)
27,000 Tons of Yuzu!
The Japanese love for this citrus powerhouse is undeniable. Can you imagine that yuzu's annual domestic production hits around 27,000 tons!
While it’s rarely enjoyed as a standalone fruit, yuzu is a culinary staple in Japan. Just like lemons in other cuisines, its aromatic zest and juice are widely used to enhance dishes with its vibrant flavor.
This citrus gem adds a special touch to a variety of recipes, making it indispensable in the world of Japanese cooking!
A Forbidden Fruit?
Yuzu has been a part of Japanese culture since the Nara period, initially arriving as only a medicinal plant, but as people fell in love with its enchanting aroma and zesty flavor, Yuzu began popping up in everything from culinary dishes to relaxation rituals!
The Million Dollar Question
What does yuzu actually taste like?
Yuzu is known (and loved!) for its robust, zesty flavor and enchanting fragrance. While it's too tart to be eaten raw, Yuzu is a culinary favorite for adding a refreshing zest to dishes.
It shines particularly in Japanese winter cuisine such as nabe, where its vibrant aroma lifts the spirits on chilly days!
Yuzu’s unique taste, often likened to a delightful cross between a lemon and a grapefruit, makes it a versatile ingredient.
Yuzuya's Yuzu tea (280g) with honey featured on ZenPlus
Its ability to infuse food with a bright, citrusy note is unmatched, making it a beloved addition to a variety of recipes and enhancing the overall dining experience with its lively character.
The Endless Uses of Yuzu
You'd be amazed at how crazy the Japanese are about Yuzu! This 'magical' fruit is infused into practically everything you can imagine, not just for its zest and fragrance but also for its health and skincare benefits.
We're talking yuzu-flavored jams, honey, refreshing beverages, aromatic teas, and even savory salts and soy sauces—yuzu really gets around in the culinary world!
But the love for yuzu doesn’t stop at the dinner table. It extends into beauty products as well. Imagine moisturizing creams, lotions, facial cleansers, and even delightfully scented body mists and perfumes—all boasting yuzu as a key ingredient.
So, is yuzu really that great? A resounding YES!
Shopping for Yuzu? Start Here!
Finding genuine yuzu products outside of Japan can be quite the challenge. If you're already captivated by the aromatic world of Japanese yuzu and eager to dive deeper, your first move is to source the real deal directly from Japan.
Wondering how? Look no further than ZenPlus—a massive online hub dedicated to all things Japanese, backed by decades of industry experience.
Yuzu Concentrated Liquid featured on ZenPlus
With over 3,000 local retailers from across Japan, ZenPlus teams up to offer international shoppers an incredible selection of over 5 million Japanese items. This includes every yuzu product imaginable—from kitchen essentials and refreshing beverages to skincare products and aromatic mists.
Ready to start your Japanese shopping adventure? Place your order with ZenPlus, and their team of experts will ensure it arrives at your doorstep so quickly, you'll barely have time to say "Yuzu!"
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
