Yuzu

Yuzu (<i>Citrus junos</i>, family: Rutaceae)

Yuzu (Citrus junos, family: Rutaceae) is one of the citrus fruits favored for its fragrant juice. Among all the citrus trees in Japan, yuzu is one of the hardy species that can tolerate low temperatures. Nevertheless, one of its major production area is the Kochi prefecture which located south of Japan.


Green yuzu fruits

Yuzu fruit

Yuzu fruit, cross section, October -- November 2008, December 2003, Funabashi, Chiba, Japan

The scale is in millimeters. The diameter is about 6.6 cm. Click here for a cross-section image of the yuzu seeds.


Other Citrus fruits

Mikan or Tangerine

Mikan or tangerine (<i>Citrus unshiu</i>, family: Rutaceae)

This citrus fruit is by far the most favored in Japan -- mikan in Japanese, for eating them in winter while staying in kotatsu (a low-profile table with heating apparatus). They used to be sold in carton boxes and were eaten all winter when nothing fresh were available -- nowadays are usually sold in small packages.


Buntan or Pomelo

Buntan, or Pumelo, Diameter: 15 cm (<i>Citrus grandis</i>, family: Rutaceae) March 2003, Chiba, Japan

Buntan seeds

Buntan, or pomelo is one of the largest citrus fruits in Japan and is sold in the market as a special "gift fruit" from Kochi prefecture. It is favored for its fragrant flavor, fresh taste and its remarkable size. Its thick white cushion that surrounds the juicy pieces of fruits functions as a packaging material. Indeed, the fruits are transported in carton boxes without any filling materials.


Sudachi

Sudachi (<i>Citrus sudachi</i>, family: Rutaceae), Diameter: 3.5 cm, September 2008, Chiba, Japan

Sudachi fruits, cross section

Sudachi is considered to be a delicacy for its delicate flavored juice for fish dishes much in the same way as the lime juice is added for its flavor.