What is Yuzu Drink? Exploring Citrus Splash and Zesty Innovations in Snacks and Drinks
The warm summers of Japan are ideal for the growth of citrus fruits. So if you want to taste the freshest yuzu, sudachi, or other zesty delights, Japan is the place to be. This post explores different types of Japanese citrus fruits, from the popular names to the hidden gems. We’ll also discuss how they’re used in both traditional and modern snacks, drinks, and confections. Enjoy!
Exploring the Spectrum of Japanese Citrus
There are over 200 citrus fruit varieties cultivated in Japan. Each one is grown from a flowering plant in the Rutaceae family (also known as the citrus family). Most of them start bearing fruits in the summer (June to August). These fruits continue to develop over the coming months and are ready for harvest from fall (November) to spring (March).
The majority of Japanese citrus fruits are grown in the Wakayama, Kochi, Miyazaki, Ehime, Shizuoka, Oita, and Tokushima prefectures.
Types of Japanese Citrus
Let’s discuss this diversity and the unique flavors and uses they bring to people in the country. The following are common varieties of citrus fruits found in Japan:
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Yuzu: The yuzu fruit plays a major role in Japanese cuisine and is undoubtedly one of the more popular varieties on our list. Yuzu has a yellow, uneven skin, and it resembles a smaller and rounder version of a lemon. The fruit has a sour and tart flavor with a strong fragrance. Yuzu is rarely eaten whole. Its main use is in flavoring foods such as drinks, desserts, snacks, and traditional dishes.
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Sudachi: This fruit is a close relative to the yuzu. However, it has a deep green skin that becomes bright yellow when the fruit ripens. Sudachi is also much smaller than yuzu and is mainly grown in Tokushima Prefecture. Its flavor can be described as both sweet and sour. Hence, it’s often used to flavor soups and other foods instead of lemon or lime.
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Shikuwasa: This small citrus has a color that ranges from yellow to orange when ripe. It has a sweet and tangy taste, which makes it great for creating healthy fruit juice or simple syrup.
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Satsuma orange: Also known as citrus unshiu, unshu mikan, Japanese mandarin, or satsuma mandarin, this is one of the most widely grown varieties in the country. It’s small and seedless with dark orange skin. Satsuma orange is extremely sweet and juicy, with a slightly acidic flavor. You can enjoy it as a snack or mix it with salads, smoothies, and juice.
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Iyokan: This orange-colored citrus is similar to European mandarin but is more acidic. Its tart and bitter flavor graces a variety of treats and candy products. Iyokan is popular in Ehime Prefecture.
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Kabosu: The kabosu fruit is harvested green but turns yellow when ripe. It tastes tart and sour, just like a lemon. Kabosu is the perfect alternative to vinegar in Japanese cuisine.
Yuzu Delights: From Drinks to Desserts
Yuzu has been used to make sauces, spreads, and other condiments used in Japanese cuisine for as long as anyone can remember. However, the modern use of yuzu is more versatile, as you can find it in various desserts and drinks. Yuzu drinks especially embody the essence of Japanese citrus. The following are some of the most popular drinks:
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Kimino Sparkling Juice (Yuzu): This fizzy juice is made with real yuzu from Shikoku Island in Japan. It also contains natural water from the mountains and pure sugar cane.
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Moshi Sparkling Juice Drink (Original Yuzu): This is the most famous product from Japanese fruit-flavored sparkling drinks maker Moshi. It’s made with 100% Japanese yuzu juice.
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Choya Sparkling Yuzu Drink: Another product made with yuzu from the Shikoku region, it’s a lightly carbonated canned drink similar to yuzu-based liquor but without the alcohol.
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Shirakiku Ramune Soda (Yuzu): This is a yuzu-flavored Japanese carbonated soft drink. It contains the traditional marble at the top of the bottle, like most ramune drinks.
Lemon Soda: A Refreshing Japanese Staple
Lemon soda is a popular carbonated beverage whose refreshing flavor is most enjoyable in the hot Japanese summer. It’s one of the easiest drinks to make at home using lemon, a citrus fruit available all around the world. All you need is a lemon, sugar, salt, and soda water (carbonated water). Soda water is basically any type of sparkling water, including club soda. Japanese people often make a lot of it and store it in the refrigerator for enjoyment after a heavy meal or long day at work.
Innovations in Lime-Flavored Snacks
Lime is another globally available citrus fruit. However, its tangy taste and fruity appeal make it a great ingredient for flavoring snacks in Japan.
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Lay's Lime Potato Chips: This crunchy delight contains thin slices of fried potatoes flavored lime, creating a mix of savory and zesty flavors. It’s a popular snack made for China.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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- Finna Pars Shrimp Crackers (Chili & Lime): This spicy, zesty, and savory treat uses delicious shrimp crackers flavored with chili and lime.
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Doritos Dynamite Chile Lime: The famous snack brand has created a unique product that combines the zesty kick of lime with the fiery heat of chili peppers.
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Siete Squeeze of Lime Tortilla Chips: Gluten-free and vegan triangular tortilla chips flavored with fresh lime.
Orange Chocolate KitKat: Japan's Citrusy Twist on a Classic
Nestle Japan is popular for infusing the beloved KitKat with a variety of local flavors, including citrus. One of these spectacular products is the KitKat Chocolate Orange, which marries the tanginess of Japanese oranges with the smooth richness of chocolate. This product features iyokan citrus from Ehime Prefecture in Japan. Hence, it’s seasonal and often available from winter to spring.
Sweet and Sour Candy: A Taste Adventure
Japanese candy may be sweet, but it’s not as sweet as those from Western countries. In fact, candies made in Japan tend to taste a little sour. There is also a preference for natural sweets with minimal artificial additives. With this in mind, you can understand why the sweet, sour, and tangy tastes of citrus fruits make them ideal flavor enhancers in Japanese candy. The most common citrus fruits used in such candies are iyokan and mikan oranges.
Seasonal Citrus Creations on Bokksu Market
Bokkus Market is the best place to find rare, seasonal, and limited-edition citrus snacks and drinks. We have dozens of these products on our store and will deliver them to your doorstep no matter your location in the United States. We also offer free shipping if you make a one-time purchase over a certain amount. The following is an overview of the options currently available on the Bokku Market:
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Seasonal sweet snacks: The popular KitKat Chocolate Orange is available on our store, along with the required recipe ratings that allow you to see what buyers think of its flavor.
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Sparkling water: You can get all kinds of Kimino, Shirakiku, and Moshi sparkling juices flavored with various citrus fruits, including yuzu and mikan orange.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Traditional snacks: Brands like Seiki and Kubota offer citrus-flavored mochi (Japanese rice cakes)
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Savory snacks: We also have yuzu-flavored savory treats like Calbee Shrimp Chips and SWW Japanese Seaweed Snack.
Beyond the Sip: Mastering Citrus Pairings with Traditional Japanese Fare
Beyond traditional snack pairings, citrus flavors can transform the taste of classic Japanese dishes. Yuzu and sudachi can be used to make ponzu sauce and condiments for sashimi, hot pots, and noodles.
The Japanese orange peel often appears in various Asian spices and seasonings, including the famous spice mixture Shichimi togarashi. Yuzu can also be mixed with matcha to make tea. However, the easiest way to use these zesty flavors is to squeeze their juices directly into your soups, stews, and condiments.
Health Benefits of Citrus-Based Snacks and Drinks
Citrus-based foods are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for growth and repair of tissues in the body. The plant compounds and citric acid in the juices act as antioxidants. Using citrus as a sweetener adds fewer calories to snacks and drinks than processed sugar. They also help to prevent illnesses such as kidney stones, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Citrus in Japanese Festivals and Celebrations
Some citrus fruits, like mikan, are symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Hence, it’s not uncommon to find them at social celebrations. The most famous citrus-related festival in Japan is the Hagi Summer Citrus Festival, which takes place in the middle of May every year. It’s a two-day event in Citrus Park, Hagi. It features an assortment of fresh citrus fruits, stage performances, dancing, and street food.
The Citrus Revolution: What's Next for Japan's Snack Scene?
Citrus fruits and the products that contain them are becoming increasingly popular outside of Japan. As more global brands begin to review recipe ingredients and adopt these flavors in their snacks, these fruits could redefine the industry. Dive into the tangy, refreshing world of citrus snacks and beverages available on Bokksu Market and enjoy the unique taste of Japanese culture.
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