Yuzu fruit, often used in Asian cuisine, adds a tart citrus flavor to a variety of dishes. At first glance, the yuzu fruit may look like a yellow mandarin orange. But this citrus fruit is uniquely different in taste, texture, and aroma. “Yuzu, or Citrus junos , is native […]
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At first glance, the yuzu fruit may look like a yellow mandarin orange. But this citrus fruit is uniquely different in taste, texture, and aroma.
“Yuzu, or Citrus junos, is native to East Asia. It has little juice and massive seeds,” says Asako Miyashita, RDN, a New York City–based nutrition consultant. She describes the fruit as having a strong, tart citrus taste similar to that of a grapefruit. Yuzu is also grown in California, but the fresh fruit is difficult to find in many other parts of the country.
Yuzu is often used in traditional Japanese cuisine in the same way you might add lemon to a recipe when cooking a sauce or pasta, or dressing veggies or fish, Miyashita says.
Read on to discover more about this trendy citrus fruit.
A 3.5 ounce (oz) serving of yuzu contains the following, according to a previous study.
- Calories: 53
- Carbohydrates: 13.3 grams (g)
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
There is limited research available on yuzu, but some of its health-promoting properties appear to be related to its soothing citrus scent and high vitamin C content.
One of the biggest perks of yuzu is that it’s a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin C. “A 3.5-ounce serving of fresh yuzu juice contains 59 percent of the daily value of vitamin C,” says Olivia Wagner, RDN, a Chicago-based integrative and functional dietitian with Liv Nourished LLC.
Vitamin C in your diet is vital to immune system function, and it promotes collagen production, adds Miyashita. Collagen is a type of protein found in abundance in skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and other body tissues, according to Cleveland Clinic. Low levels of collagen may cause wrinkled skin, stiffness, weakened muscles, joint pain, or gastrointestinal issues.
Yuzu offers many other antioxidants, which can help neutralize damaging free radicals and lower inflammation that contributes to disease.
Yuzu’s citrusy scent may also have some benefits when used in aromatherapy. One randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in June 2017 found that women with PMS who inhaled yuzu fragrance for 10 minutes experienced lowered tension, anxiety, anger, and fatigue in way a similar to the effect of lavender (the control scent). The researchers speculate that this happened because the scent increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system (also known as the “rest and digest response,” which helps calm the body down after stress). Keep in mind, however, that this small study involved only 17 participants.
Another study, published November 2021 in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, concluded that the scent of yuzu may reduce feelings of fatigue and improve concentration, productivity, and energy levels. Researchers speculate that the scent may also have an uplifting effect on the nervous system.
One important note about the above studies: “All the research is looking at specific compounds in yuzu and yuzu extract, not consuming the fruit independently,” says Wagner. Overall, studies on this topic are limited, so more research is needed to confirm the health benefits of yuzu.
It can be challenging to find fresh yuzu fruit in your local grocery store. The fruit can’t be imported to the United States, says Miyashita. (The New York Times reports that this policy helps protect American growers from diseases that Asian groves may carry.)
But because yuzu fruits are grown in California, they’re not impossible to source within the United States. If you live outside the state, try scouting specialty markets (such as Asian or Japanese grocery stores). You can also search online for U.S.-based growers who ship the fruit within the country — like Melissa’s, an online specialty produce store that offers two 8 oz packages of yuzu fruit for $18.49.
Store fresh yuzu fruit in the refrigerator and eat it within 7 to 10 days, says Miyashita. If you’re buying the fruit in bulk, she advises peeling them and freezing them in individual containers or bags, where they’ll last about three months.
You can also look out for artisan and specialty foods that incorporate yuzu (such as functional waters and other drinks, cocktail mixes, condiments, and honey).
Bottled yuzu juice may be available at specialty food stores or online from popular retailers. Walmart offers a 12 oz bottle of 100 percent yuzu juice for $17.99.
Yuzu is often prepared in a way similar to other citrus fruits — you can zest it, peel it, and juice it.
Yuzu shines in a variety of dishes, particularly traditional Japanese dishes. Use the peels and zest to add a zippy citrusy flavor to soba noodle soup or chawanmushi, a savory steamed egg custard traditionally served as an appetizer, suggests Miyashita.
When it comes to the juice, you can mix yuzu juice, sliced yuzu, and hot water with honey for a gut-friendly beverage. “Yuzu is high in pectin, so it eases constipation,” she says. Pectin is a source of soluble dietary fiber that dissolves in water to form a gel that works in the digestive tract to improve cholesterol levels and fat metabolism. It may benefit bacterial balance in the gut, and may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, too, according to past research. The majority of pectin in yuzu is found in the pith and the seeds.
You can also create a dressing for vegetables by stirring together yuzu juice, sesame oil, soy salt, and sesame seeds, Miyashita suggests.
Yuzu may also be added to a Japanese bath; some people believe a soak in warm yuzu-infused water bolsters immunity against illness, she says. To create a yuzu bath, simply drop the whole fruits in the bath; you can also slice the fruits in half or carefully score their skin with a knife to release more yuzu aroma. If the fresh fruit isn’t available to you, you can purchase yuzu bath salts or add a few drops of yuzu essential oil to the water for an uplifting fragrance.
Yuzu’s citrus flavor is a great addition to appetizers, condiments, desserts, and dressings. Here are some blogger recipes to try.
Yuzu, Thai chili peppers, and salt are all you need to make this tangy yuzu chili paste from Thread and Whisk.
Food & Wine starts off a Japanese-inspired meal with chawanmushi drizzled with yuzu.
Serve My Korean Kitchen's Korean-style yuzu dressing over salads, seafood, or your choice of lean protein.
Blueberry yuzu popsicles by Rachel Bakes at Home are vibrant, fruity, and sweetened with a hint of maple syrup.
For an indulgent special-occasion treat, mini yuzu cheesecakes from Ai Made It for You are a bright twist on a classic dessert.
