Yuzu

What Is Yuzu?

Yuzu (Citrus junos) is an East Asian citrus fruit with wrinkled yellow-green skin and an intense aroma between mandarin and grapefruit. It is one of the most popular aromatic fruits in Japanese cuisine.

It has little flesh, many seeds, and a very sour taste, so it is not eaten whole. Its value lies in its strongly scented zest and sharply tart juice, which are used to add flavor to dishes in small amounts.

Yuzu Nutrition Facts

Yuzu is used mainly in very small amounts as zest or a few drops of juice, so it contributes little energy per serving. Its peel is rich in vitamin C and aromatic oils; for this reason, the nutrition table is brief.

What Are the Benefits of Yuzu?

Yuzu is primarily an aromatic, flavoring citrus fruit; used in small amounts, it adds bright acidity and aroma to a dish.

This is general information: yuzu is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Yuzu

Choose yuzu with strongly scented, firm, unblemished skin; heavier fruits tend to be juicier. Avoid fruits that are wrinkled, soft, or weakly scented.

• The skin should be strongly scented, firm, and unblemished.
• The fruit should feel heavy, which is a good sign that it is juicy.
• Avoid wrinkled fruit with a weak aroma.

How to Store Yuzu

Whole yuzu keeps for a few weeks in the refrigerator. Juice and grated zest can be frozen separately for longer storage. Since only a small amount is used, freezing is practical.

How to Use Yuzu in the Kitchen

Use yuzu juice and grated zest to flavor ponzu sauce, salad dressings, seafood, desserts, ice cream, and drinks. Even a small amount gives a noticeable aroma and tartness, so add it sparingly.

What Is Ponzu Sauce?

Ponzu is a sour, salty Japanese sauce made with yuzu or a similar citrus juice, soy sauce, and dashi. It is served as a dipping sauce with seafood and meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat a whole yuzu?

No. It has little flesh, is very sour, and contains seeds, so it is not eaten whole. Its zest and juice are used for flavor.

What can you use instead of yuzu?

If yuzu is unavailable, a mixture of lemon and lime juice with a pinch of mandarin zest gives a similar aroma, though the flavor is not exactly the same.

What does yuzu taste like?

It is very tart, aromatic, and floral, with notes of mandarin, grapefruit, and lemon.