A unique citrus fruit native to East Asia, specifically Japan and Korea, the Yuzu fruit is rumoured to be a cross of the Ichang papeda and the sour mandarin orange. Particularly, the Yuzu juice is a good source of vitamin C and may also contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory polyphenols, potassium, dietary fibre and calcium. Its growing popularity outside of its native region is based on a plethora of uses in culinary, wellness, beauty and cultural practices.
Range of Use
Add a unique citrus twist to your culinary creations and buy flavourful Yuzu juice. Yuzu’s popularity in restaurant meals has been continuously increasing worldwide. Chefs around the world appreciate its distinct flavour and adaptability, just as they do in Japan. High-end restaurants, both in Japan and elsewhere, use Yuzu in their dishes to showcase its unique appeal.
Yuzu fruit juice has a pleasant, tangy flavour that is distinct from other citrus fruits, such as lemon and lime. Its complexity includes flowery flavours and a mild bitterness that enhances the depth of the dishes.
Another reason why Yuzu is becoming more popular is its versatility as an ingredient. Its bright acidity in sauces and dressings complements salads, shellfish, and grilled meats. The aromatic zest works wonders as a marinade to infuse crisp, citrus tastes into meat and fish.
Yuzu can also be used in sweets, such as sorbets, ice creams, custards, and cakes, to add a distinct citrus flavour. In Japan, Yuzu is a common ingredient in sauces like ponzu and tea. It is also found in sushi, sashimi, and noodle dishes.
Western cooks, on the other hand, have discovered new ways to use Yuzu, from vinaigrettes and cocktails to pastry fillings and marmalades, adapting its vivid notes to compliment a variety of cuisines. Yuzu is now being used to enhance craft beers, sweets, and effervescent drinks.
Yuzu has an exclusive status in culinary circles due to its limited availability outside of Japan, making it desirable to chefs and consumers looking for more intriguing flavours and unique dining experiences.
Overall, Yuzu’s popularity in foreign restaurant cuisine indicates its adaptability across countries and customs, as well as its ability to enhance both traditional and contemporary dishes with its lively citrus flavour and aroma.
What stands out about citrus sensation is its ability to combine with or enhance other components. For example, it can be combined with spices such as ginger for tea, with peppers to form the classic Japanese condiment yuzu kosho, or with soy sauces and ponzu for an umami journey.
Its affinity with fats, sugars, spices, pectin, and starches is evident in recipes like ice cream, olive oil cakes, candied yuzu peels, and yuzu panna cotta. When it comes to sweet versus savoury, it’s safe to say that Yuzu has established itself in both categories.
Health Benefits and Nutrition
With so many similarities between Yuzu fruit and lemons, it’s no wonder that they have equal nutritional value. Yuzu juice contains vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant. Vitamin C can help protect your cells from free radical damage, which causes oxidative stress and can lead to chronic inflammation-related illnesses.
Vitamin C is also required for the production and usage of collagen, a protein that is essential for bone health, skin health, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Finally, including vitamin C in a meal can boost non-heme iron absorption from plant-based iron sources, support a healthy immune system, and promote oral health for teeth and gums.
In addition to vitamin C, Yuzu contains minor levels of potassium, magnesium, and manganese. It is minimal in calories, naturally free of fat and cholesterol, and has just trace amounts of carbs and fibre. Most individuals do not eat the fruit itself, preferring the juice and zest, therefore it is unlikely to have a substantial impact on overall energy intake.
Places to Shop
Since this citrus fruit is rare, the general question is where to buy Yuzu juice. Honestly, we think that your best bet is probably ordering online. It can save you the time and energy of visiting multiple grocery stores looking for a single, specific item. You should keep in mind, though that Yuzu products like juice are pricier than the fruit itself.
If you, however, enjoy traditional in-store buying, many Japanese or Asian grocery stores offer the juice as well as Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s which usually carry it in the international foods section. Specialty gourmet or organic stores can also be places where you can shop for juice.
Storing
As for the rest of the products made from Yuzu, it’s always a good idea to follow the directions on the label or container. Generally, fresh juice or extract should be refrigerated both before and after opening.