Simply the Zest! 6 Ways to Enjoy Japan’s Citrus Fruits

Japan’s rich variety of citrus fruits provides a delightful sensory experience that extends far beyond just their taste. Did you know that Japan has hundreds of varieties of citrus fruits? Aside from the well-known varieties like yuzu (ゆず) and mikan (みかん), there’s also shiquasa (シークワーサー), kabosu (かぼす), dekopon (デコポン), and so much more! 

Some citrus varieties from Ehime Prefecture. | Photo by Carissa Loh

With flavour and scent profiles ranging from tangy zest to refreshing sweetness, here are six ways to enjoy Japan’s vibrant citrus flavours:

① Savour the pure flavour as juices and jellies

A citrus juice sampler set in Ehime Prefecture, consisting of onshu, amanatsu, and ponkan. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Many believe that citrus fruits are at their most refreshing when enjoyed in their purest forms. In Japan, citrus juices are incredibly popular, particularly in the hotter months. The islands of Shikoku and Kyushu in particular, are well-known for the large varieties of citrus fruits, with markets offering a wide array of freshly squeezed juices from local fruits. These juices are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice to beat the summer heat.

Iyokan jelly. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Citrus jellies, like iyokan jelly, are another delectable delight. These translucent treats capture the essence of the fruit, providing a burst of flavour in every mouthful. They are best enjoyed chilled and served as a light, refreshing dessert!

② Add a little zest to carbs like noodles and rice

Sudachi udon. | Photo by photoAC

Citrus zest and juices can elevate the flavour profile of many carbohydrate dishes. In Japanese cuisine, yuzu is commonly used to add a fragrant twist to various dishes in the form of flavoured peppers and dressings, but did you know that you can also add bits of the actual citrus fruits to enhance the flavours?

Sudachi udon (すだちうどん) is especially popular during the summer months, and involves putting slices of freshly sliced sudachi into a bowl of udon noodles, often served chilled.

Rice topped with freshly-grated yuzu peels. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Sprinkling some freshly-grated yuzu peel over a bowl of steamed rice can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary, enhancing the natural flavours and adding a refreshing aroma.

Additionally, citrus-flavoured pastas are also gaining popularity, with chefs incorporating lemon or sudachi into creamy sauces for a refreshing contrast. 

③ Cool down with desserts such as sherbets and cakes

Citrus-infused desserts make for a perfect combination of sweet and tart. | Photo by photoAC

Citrus fruits are a natural fit for desserts, where their bright flavours can shine. They are prevalent in baked goods, with cakes being a popular choice, combining the rich, buttery texture of the cake with the refreshing flavours of the citrus fruits. 

Citrus-infused tarts, chiffon cakes, madeleines, and financiers are also beloved for their delicate balance of sweetness and tartness. These desserts are often less sweet than their Western counterparts, allowing the natural flavours of the citrus to be the star.

Dekopon parfait and mikan milk drink. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Come July and August, citrus-infused desserts are a summer staple in Japan. Yuzu sherbet, with its icy texture and tangy flavour, is a perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Similarly, parfaits are a sweet and slightly tart treat that perfectly captures the essence of Japanese citrus fruits.

④ Cheers with cocktails, lemon sours, and flavoured liquor

Lemon sour, one of Japan’s most popular drinks. | Photo by photoAC

One of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Japan is the lemon sour (レモンサワー), a simple yet refreshing cocktail made with shochu (焼酎), soda water, and fresh lemon juice. This drink is a staple at izakaya (居酒屋 Japanese pubs) and is perfect for a hot summer night. Other popular variations include grapefruit sour and yuzu sour.

Citrus-infused cocktails. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Citrus-flavoured cocktails are also widely enjoyed. The unique aromatic properties of citrus fruits add depth and zest to drinks like mojitos and gin and tonics. For beer enthusiasts, flavoured beers featuring citrus notes are widely available, with yuzu beer being particularly popular. These beers are often light and crisp, with the citrus providing a refreshing contrast to the maltiness of the beer. 

⑤ Pamper yourself with citrus-infused cosmetics and perfumes

Citrus-infused cosmetics contain vitamin C, which has brightening effects. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Beyond their culinary uses, citrus fruits are highly valued in the cosmetic and fragrance industries for their invigorating scents and beneficial properties. Citrus-based skincare products are popular in Japan due to their high vitamin C content, which is known for its brightening and anti-aging effects. Yuzu and mikan extracts are commonly found in facial serums and hand creams, offering a natural way to rejuvenate the skin.

Citrus scents can relax and rejuvenate. | Photo by photoAC

Citrus scents are also prevalent in perfumes and aromatherapy products. The fresh, uplifting aroma of citrus is believed to have mood-boosting properties, making it a popular choice for essential oils and scented candles. Orange-scented perfumes, in particular, are cherished for their unique, zesty fragrance that is both calming and invigorating.

⑥ Snacks galore: Citrus chips and candies

Shiquasa-flavoured potato chips from Okinawa. | Photo by Carissa Loh

Japanese snacks are renowned for their creativity and use of flavours, and citrus fruits are no exception. Fancy some citrus-flavoured chips? Offering a tangy and savoury flavour profile, shiquasa-flavoured potato chips from Okinawa or lemon-flavoured potato chips from the Seto Inland Sea combine zesty zings with the crunchiness of chips, creating unique and addictive snacks. 

Citrus sweets. | Photo by photoAC

From gummies to hard candies to lollipops to bubble gum, citrus-flavoured candies offer a mix of juicy sweetness and tart sourness with each bite, and perfect as pocket treats to satisfy your citrus cravings around wherever you go. Yuzu peels and orange peels are sometimes candied and enjoyed as a snack, or used as a garnish for desserts.

Ending on a tangy note

Citrus fruits play a versatile role, offering a multitude of ways to enjoy their refreshing flavours. Whether savoured in their pure forms as juices and jellies, incorporated into savoury dishes, or enjoyed in desserts, alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, and sweet treats, citrus fruits provide a refreshing rendition to any routine. As summer approaches, there’s no better time to explore the refreshingly delightful taste of Japan’s citrus bounty!

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