Yuzu – a mysterious fruit from Japan takes over the world

Yuzu is nothing less than a mixture of citric notes of lime, mandarin and grapefruit. It looks like a small lemon, however, its skin is slightly rougher, harder and thicker, and its colour is from light yellow to orange. Its interior hides an extraordinary taste and aroma, which is difficult to describe unambiguously. It has a strongly acidic, citric character which also is slightly sweet. This unusual combination makes it an interesting culinary ingredient. Its unique aroma – an obvious note of grapefruit, lime and mandaryn makes the dishes with yuzu extremely refreshing.  

 

Yuzu is widely used in a traditional Japanese cuisine. Its juice, skin and  essential oil are used for sauces, marinades, dressings and drinks. It is used as an addition to many spices. In Central Japan it is used in a spicy-sweet paste yuzu kosho. Meanwhile, its grated skin is an ingredient of the most popular spice called shichimi togarashi, which is a mixture of yuzu, sesame, ginger, chili pepper, nori and mountain sansh pepper. We can also find it in sparkling beverages, alcoholic drinks , desserts, sorbets and ice-cream. Recently, it has been gaining more and more popularity in Europe, and it became a hit not only in culinary industry.

 

Its refreshing, citric aroma has been appreciated in the perfume industry. The fruit gives energy and freshness to a lot of fragnance compositions. The cosmetic industry uses the moisturizing, nourishing and anti-ageing properties of yuzu in skin and hair care products. Moreover, the traditional Japanese ritual yuzu-yu, which is a bath in a hot water with the addition of yuzu, relaxes and improves the well-being. The fruit is also used in ecological cleaning products because of its pleasant smell.

 

Apart of a unique taste and aroma, yuzu also has many health-promoting properties. Its high content of vitamin C strengthens the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. The flavonoids that are contained in it protect against free radicals, support digestion and care for a beautiful, radiant complexion. It also improves blood flow, supports work of brain and heart and when it is used in aromatherapy, it reduces stress and allows to get rid of tension.

 

 

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