We are all familiar with yuzu as an ingredient in seasonings.
It's like oranges and lemons, but it's a little different.
As the winter season approaches in Japan, there is an increase in the number of times you see yuzu in your home, and many people are wondering what it really is.
I'm curious about it, but I don't know how to use it...but it's an attractive citrus fruit that smells good.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at yuzu and how to enjoy and use it.
What kind of plant is yuzu?
Yuzu is often used as a flavoring in cooking.
A member of the same citrus family as mandarin oranges and oranges, the yuzu tree produces small white flowers and a bumpy yellow fruit in early summer.
A lesser-known fact is that the yuzu tree has spines larger than those of a rose, which are said to protect the fruit from predators.
The nutritional content of the yuzu
Yuzu (Japanese citron) is a rich source of vitamin C.
The rind of a citron contains 150mg of vitamin C per 100g.
In particular, the rind of a citron contains 150 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams.
This is more than the 100mg vitamin C content of a 100g edible portion of a lemon.
Yuzu flowers
Yuzu flowers are small, white and fragrant, and are popular as an ornamental plant. The name "yuzu" comes from the impression of this small white flower, and the flower word "health beauty" comes from the effect of yuzu on beautiful skin and reducing swelling.
The white flowers bloom mainly between May and June, while the yuzu fruit is harvested between August and December.
Three types of Yuzu (Japanese citron)
1. yuzu
Yuzu is a common variety of citron with a high aroma and strong acidity. Its aroma and flavor make it an ideal variety for use in marmalade jam, candied food, and other culinary applications.
2. mountain root
It is an early-result variety of citron that sets fruit early and is easy to grow. It is a good choice for beginners, but it is not very tolerant of cold weather and needs to be carefully grown in the right place.
3. seedless
A less fragrant but juicy early-growing type of citron. The most famous variety is Tada Nishiki, which is easy for even beginners to grow as the fruit ripens after only three years. It stores well and can be stored for about two months.
Yuzu's Color and Harvest Time
Green yuzu (species of aromatic Asiatic citron)
Green yuzu, a deep green color like a lime, is available in stores from early summer until September.
The sweet and sour yuzu we usually enjoy is a mature yellow one, but the green yuzu that's available in stores from early summer to early September has a refreshing flavor!
The spicy condiment, yuzu kosho, is also made with the refreshing flavor of green yuzu.
Yellow yuzu
Ripe yellow yuzu, which can be harvested from around November. Most of the things we think of when we hear the word "yuzu" are these yellow yuzu. If the fresh, youthful blue flavour of citron is green, the yellow citron is fragrant and slightly sweet.
It is full of juice and juicy. You can eat it, pickle it and make it into a drink, use it as an air freshener or add it to your bath.
How to enjoy the juice of yuzu in its original state.
Seasoning
Yuzu pon and yuzu kosho are two of the most popular condiments made from yuzu, which are often purchased commercially. There are many other types of yuzu seasonings available, including the trendy salt yuzu, yuzu dressing that can be made by hand, and yuzu salt and yuzu shichimi, which are made from dried yuzu.
Yuzu has a unique sour citrus flavor and aroma, and when used as an accent or flavoring for a dish, it enhances the flavor of the food.
Sweets
Yuzu, with its juicy, fragrant flavor, can of course be used to make sweets. Like honey lemons, honey yuzu, which is made by dipping yuzu in honey, or yuzu jam, which is made by boiling down yuzu with sugar, are very simple and easy to make.
You can also use candied yuzu peel to bake pound cakes, muffins and other baked goods to create refreshing treats that capture the aroma and flavor of yuzu.
Drink
The warm yuzu tea made with hot or soda water is a great way to enjoy a drink all year round, especially during the cold season when yuzu is in season. It's a warm, vitamin-packed drink that's perfect for the cold season!
How to use it to enjoy the scent of yuzu
Flavouring the food
Yuzu goes great with Japanese food! If you chop up a thin piece of yuzu peel and place it on top of grilled fish with stewed vegetables, grated daikon, or pickle, you can enjoy the bright yellow color of the yuzu as well as its flavor. You can also use yuzu to flavor a soup.
Other than as a food
Many of you have seen animals taking a dip in hot water with yuzu floating in it on the TV news. It's said that if you take a yuzu bath on the winter solstice, you won't catch a cold all year long. It's easy to do at home, so if you're interested in doing this, please prepare some yuzu....
Some people also make their own lotion by soaking yuzu seeds in shochu. If you're looking for an additive-free, moist lotion with natural aromatic effects, this is for you!
I have also made a lotion by hand before by adding yuzu seeds to shochu. But the alcohol didn't suit my skin and I gave up on it.
The use of yuzu is not only for eating, but also can be used in other ways.
