Yuzu: The Citrus Superfruit with Unique Flavor and Health Benefits

It's a combination of a sweet orange (or mandarin), grapefruit, and lemon — and it needs to be in your pantry.

If you’ve been walking around stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s in the past year or so, you might’ve started noticing yuzu-flavored items popping up: yuzu miso, yuzu hot sauce, and coconut water with yuzu.

In this newsletter, you’ll find out…

• What yuzu tastes like

• How to use it

• Any potential health benefits

• A few places you can find it

It’s everywhere. It’s not a new flavor or citrus by any means, but its popularity seems to be soaring in the United States.

But what is this flavor?

Well, it’s the perfect combination of a sour lemon, a tangy grapefruit, and a sweet orange or tangerine. And it’s pure magic.

When I was in Sydney, Australia, earlier this year, I had a cold brew coffee with yuzu and yuzu rind slices. It was such an interesting combo that enhanced the coffee notes with a little chewy snack at the end.

Now, I’m a treat girlie through and through. Get through a big project at work? Need a treat. Go to the doctor? Need a treat. Have a long day running errands in the 115-degree heat? Need a treat.

When I stumbled upon the Sparkling Coconut Yuzu drink at Trader Joe’s, I swear I was the star-eyed emoji come to life. The subtlety of the coconut water blends perfectly with that sour, tangy, sweetness of the yuzu.

How is it used?

The yuzu juice and zest can be used in cooking for things such as chocolates/desserts, drinks, marinades, salad dressings, and anything else you could possibly imagine. Ponzu is a common sauce made with yuzu, soy sauce, and dashi (a stock often used as the base of soups made from kelp and bonito flakes).

If you want to venture into yuzu, you can try the Kuze Fuku & Sons Yuzu Fruit Spread with some cheese and crackers or mixed into a marinade. Can’t find any yuzu products in stores near you? There are tons of items on Amazon. If you specifically want yuzu juice, just double-check the ingredients. Most will contain sugar — which might make it difficult if you’re trying to make something savory. Some may even contain other fruit juices.

The rind is often the most important part of anything you’ll buy. It’s incredibly aromatic — and it tastes great. Yuzu doesn’t produce a lot of juice, which is also why you’ll see that pure yuzu juice can be rather expensive.

Plus, you can’t import yuzu from Japan, so any yuzu you find in the United States was likely grown in California.

Potential Benefits:

• Antioxidants and Vitamin C: Some of the best things for your immune system.

• Aromatherapy: Potential calming and anti-anxiety effects from the scent.

• May protect brain health:

  Studies show that the fruit may guard against dementia while improving memory and overall cognitive function.

• Blood-thinning abilities:

  Results suggest that yuzu ME and hesperidin have anti-platelet activity, and that intake of yuzu, which includes various flavonoids such as hesperidin, may be beneficial for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Whether you’re new to yuzu or already a fan, there’s no denying that this citrus fruit brings a unique flavor and a range of potential benefits to the table. From its aromatic zest to its tangy juice, yuzu offers a versatile ingredient that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes.

So, the next time you spot a yuzu product on the shelves or in a recipe, don’t hesitate. You might just discover a new favorite flavor that adds a touch of joy.

Happy tasting!