Yuzu Tree

Also known as Citrus Junos or Yuja, Yuzu is thought to be a hybrid of Ichang papeda and sour mandarins.

These Yuzu fruits look a bit like grapefruits with an uneven skin that ripens to yellow (they start off green). The fruits typically reach about 2" (6 cm) in diameter and have a lovely aromatic scent to them. The habit of these plants is to grow as a bush or a tree with thorns and they are frost hardy to about -10C once established (will require frost protection for the first 2 - 3 years).

The fruits themselves are not usually eaten but the rind is used in many dishes particularly in Korea and Japan. These citrus fruits are also used to make other things such as ponzu sauce (from Japan), vinegar, alcoholic beverages, tea or flavouring for Doritos! It also makes a good marmalade and is used in many desserts.

Another use for the whole fruits (or them cut in half) in Japan is to put them into a bath to scent the water which is said to be a great treatment for hard skin, colds and to relax the mind (this tradition dates back to the 18th Century).

Originates from China and Tibet but are now commonly grown in Japan and Korea.

• Usually fruit November to January.
• Upright, evergreen habit.
• Reaches approximately 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall.
• Small white blossom (which is highly fragrant).
• Must have free draining soil (as will not tolerate wet conditions).
• Likes a full sun position.
• Hardy to -10C once established (will require frost protection for the first 2 - 3 years).
• Self Fertile
   
• Culinary Uses
• Marmalade.
• Make good sauces.
• Used for alcoholic drinks
• Flavourings.
• Make a delicious 'lemon' meringue pie.
• Tea.
  
  
• Medical Uses
• High in Vitamin C.
• Used to treat hard skin.
• Good for relaxing the mind.