You've probably heard it mentioned in recipes; yuzu is the "Japanese lemon" that more and more Michelin-starred chefs are using in their menus. Native to East Asia, this article explains what this citrus fruit is, where you can buy it, and its various uses in cooking and cosmetics.
What Does Yuzu Taste Like and Where Can You Buy It?
Yuzu (Citrus junos) is a citrus fruit derived from a cross between the wild Chinese mandarin and the Ichang lemon. The fruit is similar in shape to a small grapefruit, while the peel can be yellow or green depending on ripeness. This citrus fruit is native to East Asia and belongs to the Rutaceae family. Yuzu can withstand even the coldest climates, tolerating temperatures as low as 14°F/-10°C. Extremely popular in the cuisines of countries such as Japan and South Korea, this fruit offers several benefits for the body: high in vitamins and antioxidants. This is why it is often considered a traditional medicine.
How does it differ from lemon? Yuzu's flavor is versatile, with very tart notes. Its taste can vaguely recall a mix of lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin, with floral notes that make it unique and balanced, as well as a useful ingredient in both sweet and savory preparations. Its external appearance is similar to sudachi, itself a cross between yuzu and mandarin, but the former's broad, highly fragrant leaves differentiate it from its cousin.
Interested in buying yuzu to start using in your recipes? Unfortunately, we have to tell you that fresh yuzu is very rare in the U.S.. In large cities, very few fruit and vegetable stores sell it, but it's always worth a try. Alternatively, you can find it online in the form of juice, jam, liqueurs, or even as a plant to grow. So, if you go to your local store looking for yuzu and can't find it, don't despair; opt online; you're sure to find what you're looking for. You can also buy a seedling of this citrus fruit at specialized nurseries and it costs between $20 and $100 and up, depending on its size.
How to Use Yuzu in The Kitchen
We've mentioned before that in Korea and Japan, and especially among top chefs around the world, this citrus fruit is a favorite. It's an essential ingredient in some cuisines and can be used in a variety of ways.
- Seasoning: Yuzu juice is essential for preparing sauces like ponzu, which we have come to know from eating sushi, sashimi and poke.
- Excellent for desserts and drinks: by superficially grating the yuzu peel you can obtain desserts flavored with the scent of this citrus fruit or even teas and liqueurs.
- Perfect for marinades and sauces: Meat and fish can be marinated in yuzu juice: a technique that many famous chefs use for their dishes and which allows them to impart a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Yuzukoshō: it is used a lot in Japan, yuzukosho is a spicy "paste" made with chili pepper, salt and grated yuzu peel and is essentially used to flavor soups and meat-based dishes so that the taste of the dish is fresh and spicy at the same time.
As previously mentioned, yuzu also offers several health benefits. One of these is its ability to strengthen the immune system, thanks to its high vitamin C content, as is the case with all other citrus fruits. Another important factor is its high content of polyphenols (organic compounds known for their antioxidant properties), which help reduce inflammation.
Yuzu is Also Perfect for Cosmetics
A citrus fruit with a wide range of uses, it's also enjoying increasing popularity in Western countries. Enriching gourmet dishes and promoting well-being, yuzu is also highly regarded for its cosmetic properties.
- Yuzuyu (literally yuzu bath): in Japan, during the winter, it is traditional to take warm, relaxing baths with yuzu fruits which purify the body and prevent colds.
- Skin care: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this citrus fruit is a perfect base for creams and masks that improve skin elasticity and radiance.
- Aromatherapy: Yuzu essential oils can be used to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
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