What Is Yuzu Fruit and How Do You Use It?
Have you ever wondered: “What is yuzu and how can I use it?” This mandarin-sized citrus fruit has captivated taste buds with its vibrant flavor and aromatic charm for centuries. But knowing exactly how to incorporate yuzu into recipes may be holding you back from adding it to your ingredients repertoire.
This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about the fruit, including what it is, where to purchase it and how to incorporate it into your kitchen adventures. So, if you want to give your cooking a citrusy boost, keep reading to discover everything there is to know about yuzu.
Jump to Section
What Is Yuzu?
Yuzu is a fascinating and unique citrus fruit, scientifically known as citrus junos, that has been captivating the palates of food enthusiasts for centuries. Yuzu originated over 1,000 years ago in China and has since established its cultural and culinary roots across Asia, particularly in Japan (it’s often referred to as the Japanese citron) and Korea.
More recently, the use of fruit in a variety of dishes has become a global food trend. You can see it in almost everything, from sauces and marinades for meat to desserts and cocktails.
Wondering what yuzu fruit is and what it looks like? Picture a small, bumpy and round lemon that’s a bit rough around the edges. What yuzu is notably known for is its intense fragrance and complex flavor profile which make it stand out among other citrus fruits. The yuzu fruit combines the tartness of a lemon with the floral notes of a mandarin orange, making it a one-of-a-kind ingredient in both sweet and savory recipes.
What Does Yuzu Taste Like?
Yuzu is often described as the combination of both a grapefruit and a mandarin orange with subtle hints of lime and lemon. This unique taste makes yuzu a sought-after ingredient in a variety of culinary creations. Whether it’s used to enhance a teriyaki bowl or add a zesty kick to a refreshing drink, yuzu’s flavor is versatile and can add a boost to a variety of food and beverage recipes.
What Is Yuzu Sauce?
Yuzu is juiced for many different condiments, but the most popular is yuzu sauce. Made by combining yuzu juice and zest with vinegar and sometimes other citrus fruits, this sauce is a go-to addition to many Japanese dishes.
But what is yuzu sauce used for? It’s commonly combined with other ingredients like soy sauce and used as a dipping sauce for sashimi, grilled meats and vegetables. It also makes a fantastic addition to salad dressings and marinades.
What yuzu sauce is often mistaken for is ponzu sauce, but they are distinct condiments in Japanese cuisine. Yuzu sauce is primarily made with yuzu juice and is used to enhance other sauces. In contrast, ponzu sauce is a standalone sauce that is more tangy.
Ponzu sauce traditionally includes yuzu juice but can also use other citrus fruits like lemon or sudachi. Ponzu combines soy sauce, rice vinegar and mirin, resulting in a citrusy, slightly acidic flavor profile — similar to a light soy sauce that has more citrus notes in it.
While both sauces share similarities, yuzu sauce is yuzu-focused and lighter in color, whereas ponzu is a broader citrus-soy blend and is darker in color.
What Is Yuzu Juice?
Yuzu juice is the essence of the yuzu fruit and offers a bold and aromatic flavor that’s perfect for a wide range of culinary uses. Whether you’re mixing it into cocktails, marinating meats or creating mouthwatering desserts, yuzu juice is a game-changer in adding that extra something to a dish.
Although pure yuzu juice can be quite potent, it’s sometimes blended with other citrus juices to balance its intensity. Yuzu juice is also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making it both delicious and nutritious.
What Is Yuzu Kosho?
Yuzu kosho (pronounced "koh-show" with a long "o" sound similar to the "o" in "go") is a Japanese condiment that takes the bold flavors of yuzu zest, red or green chile peppers and salt and turns them into a fermented paste-like seasoning.
It is thought to have originated in the Kyushu region of Japan, but the history of yuzu kosho is somewhat debated, with different theories about its origins. One theory suggests that yuzu kosho was first created in Hita, Oita Prefecture and Soeda, Fukuoka Prefecture where yuzu cultivation was popular. It is believed that families in these areas have been making yuzu kosho for generations.
Another theory posits that the condiment was developed by the yamabushi — mountain dwellers of Japan who are practitioners of the ancient belief of Shugendo — in the sacred Japanese mountains, such as Mount Hiko. These ascetics are said to have used yuzu kosho as a form of medicine.
But what is yuzu kosho in today’s terms? Initially, yuzu kosho was a homemade product, but it soon gained popularity and began to be mass-produced. You can now find it in most Asian grocery stores and it became especially well-known after being sold as a souvenir in the hot spring town of Yufuin Onsen.
Is Yuzu a Lemon?
While yuzu is part of the citrus family, it’s not a lemon. Yuzu is believed to be a hybrid of the mandarin orange and a lesser-known citrus called papeda. Yuzu does share some tartness with lemons, but its flavor profile is more complex and aromatic, giving it a distinctive place among citrus fruits.
How To Use Yuzu Fruit
Having discovered exactly what yuzu is, you may be asking: “What is yuzu fruit used for in cooking?” Yuzu is a great addition to every kitchen’s arsenal, mainly because you can use all of the fruit, from the peel to the juice.
When yuzu is used raw, particularly in sauces, dressings or as a finishing touch, it retains its bright and aromatic qualities which can be diminished by heat. This makes it ideal for applications where its fresh citrus flavor can shine, such as in salad dressings or as a dipping sauce.
However, what yuzu is known for is its versatility; it can also be cooked and its juice and zest can enhance various dishes during the cooking process. Cooking yuzu can impart a different and more subdued flavor, which can be desirable in certain recipes.
The most common culinary applications for yuzu include:
-
Beverages: Add yuzu juice to cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks for a refreshing citrus note and garnish with a slice of yuzu to infuse the drink with essential oils from the peel.
-
Condiments: Make yuzu kosho or yuzu ponzu to add depth and the finishing touch to your dishes.
-
Yuzu-Infused Honey: Add a few pieces of yuzu peel to honey and let it infuse overnight. Use this aromatic honey in teas or drizzled over desserts.
-
Yuzu Salt: Mix sea salt with dried yuzu zest to create an aromatic seasoning. Use it as a finishing salt on dishes to add a subtle, citrusy scent.
-
Yuzu-Scented Rice: Add a small piece of yuzu peel to your rice cooker when preparing rice. The gentle aroma will infuse the rice, then discard the peel when the rice is ready.
-
Yuzu Tea: Prepare a yuzu tea by steeping yuzu peel in hot water. Engage in mindful breathing while enjoying the tea, focusing on the citrusy aroma to promote relaxation.
-
Yuzu Desserts: Incorporate yuzu zest or juice into desserts like custards, jellies or sorbets — wherever you would normally use a citrus fruit.
If you want to learn more about how to use this unique and versatile fruit, taking some cooking classes near you is an excellent idea, allowing professional chefs to teach you a range of sweet and savory recipes featuring yuzu. You could also opt for online cooking classes that allow you to improve your culinary skills from your own kitchen.
How To Use Yuzu Kosho
This condiment is a favorite for adding a punch of flavor to grilled meats, nabemono (Japanese hot pot dishes), sashimi, noodles and soups. The fermented citrus notes are balanced out by the heat from the peppers and the spicy and citrusy combination in yuzu kosho elevates dishes with its bright flavor.
But what is yuzu kosho used for outside of Asian cuisines? Yuzu is a staple in many Japanese kitchens but yuzu kosho is incredibly versatile so it can be used in international dishes to introduce people unfamiliar with its unique flavor. Stir a small spoonful of yuzu koshu through pasta like a pesto, mix it into a salad dressing or rub onto fish, chicken and vegetables before grilling.
Where To Buy Yuzu Fruit
Finding fresh yuzu outside of Japan can be tricky due to import restrictions around the globe. However, you might get lucky at specialty Asian markets or online retailers. If fresh yuzu isn’t available, yuzu is also found as a bottled juice, dried zest or in sauces like ponzu that are more readily available and can be found in gourmet food stores or online.
Yuzu is also a very popular ingredient on the menus of various restaurants, particularly those with a focus on Japanese or East Asian cuisine. It is often featured in dishes at sushi bars, izakayas and upscale Japanese restaurants. You may also see it featured in dishes at Korean grocery stores or restaurants as yuzu (known as yuja) is commonly used to make yuja-cha (a traditional tea) and yuja marmalade in Korean cuisine.
Yuzu is also increasingly popular in the beverage industry, often used in cocktails for its tart and fragrant profile. You might find yuzu-infused drinks or yuzu liqueurs at bars specializing in craft cocktails.
Where To Buy Yuzu Juice
Yuzu is easier to find in juice form compared to the whole fruit because it can be bottled to preserve it for longer. You can purchase it at specialty grocery stores, Asian markets or online. Bottled yuzu juice can be used in countless recipes — from savory and sweet dishes to refreshing beverages — and usually has a long shelf life if stored in the refrigerator.
What Is a Good Yuzu Substitute?
If you can’t find yuzu and are frantically searching online for: "What is a substitute for yuzu juice?" — don’t fret! A mix of lemon and lime juice can mimic yuzu’s tartness while adding a touch of grapefruit juice can approximate its complex flavor. You can also substitute yuzu with a Meyer lemon. This citrus fruit, a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, offers a similar sweet-tart flavor with floral notes.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Yuzu brings a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor to any dish it is used in and cooking with it offers the perfect introduction to the vast culinary histories of East Asian cooking. Whether you're drizzling yuzu sauce over grilled meats, experimenting with yuzu kosho or simply enjoying the refreshing zing of yuzu juice in your tea, this ingredient is sure to elevate your next kitchen creation.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.