Yuzu

What Is Yuzu?

Yuzu (Citrus junos) is a citrus fruit of East Asian origin, with wrinkled yellow-green skin and an intense aroma somewhere between a mandarin and a grapefruit. It is one of Japanese cuisine's most beloved aromatic fruits.

Its flesh is scant, its seeds plentiful and it is very sour; that is why it is not eaten whole. Its real value lies in its strongly fragrant skin and sharp sour juice, and it is used to add aroma to dishes in small amounts.

Nutritional Values of Yuzu

As an aromatic citrus fruit, yuzu is mostly used as zest and a few drops of juice, in very small amounts, so it does not provide a significant energy contribution per serving. Its skin is rich in vitamin C and aromatic oils; the nutrition table is therefore kept simple.

What Are the Benefits of Yuzu?

Yuzu is predominantly an aroma and flavor-giving citrus fruit; when used in small amounts it adds a vibrant sourness and fragrance to a dish.

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

How to Choose Yuzu?

Good yuzu is a fruit whose skin is strongly fragrant, firm and blemish-free; samples that feel heavy for their size will be juicier. Wrinkled, softened samples with a weak smell are not preferred.

• Skin should be strongly fragrant, firm and blemish-free
• Weight should be noticeable (juiciness is good)
• Wrinkled samples with weak smell should not be bought

How to Store Yuzu?

Whole yuzu is stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks; its juice and grated zest can be frozen separately for long-term use. Since it is used in small amounts, freezing it is practical.

Using Yuzu in the Kitchen

Yuzu, with its juice and grated zest, is used for aroma in ponzu sauce, salad dressing, seafood, desserts, ice cream and beverages. Even a small amount gives a noticeable fragrance and sourness, so it is added in moderation.

What Is Ponzu Sauce?

It is a sour-salty Japanese sauce made with yuzu or similar citrus juice, soy sauce and dashi; it is used as a dipping sauce alongside seafood and meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yuzu eaten whole?

No; since its flesh is scant, it is sour and has many seeds, it is not eaten whole. Its skin and juice are used for aroma.

What is used in place of yuzu?

If unavailable, a mixture of lemon and lime with a pinch of mandarin zest gives an approximate aroma; the taste won't be exactly the same.

What does yuzu taste like?

It has a very sour, aromatic and floral taste, reminiscent of mandarin, grapefruit and lemon all at once.