We are all familiar with Japanese Yuzu - a traditional Japanese citrus fruit. The Yuzu fruit is not meant to be eaten as it is but do you know - in Japanese cuisine, yuzu is usually used to enhance and season the flavours and tastes of Japanese cuisine.

Yuzu can be found in so many (edible or non-edible) products.

For myself, I love Yuzu cha - my favourite and go-to winter drink whenever I travel. Many brands are selling the individually packed yuzu peel that is already mixed with honey/sugar, and all I have to do is open it up, mix it with water and savour it.

There is also an option of the Yuzu Cha in a jar. Add a few spoonfuls of it (depending on how sweet or concentrated you want your Yuzu Cha to be), mix it with water, and tada!

Now the question is - which part of Japan produces the best Yuzu?

Right here!

Kochi, the southernmost prefecture of Shikoku Island, has been a favourite travel destination for locals. It is known for its beautiful nature, the clear blue waters in the river reflecting the steep green mountains, and the long coast-line with a crystal clear beach.

The Shimanto River is one of Japan’s great waterways and is also known as the last crystal clear river in Japan.

There are so many outdoor activities you can do at the Shimanto River, allowing you to see a clearer perspective of the surrounding nature and experience the true beauty of this place.

From canoeing, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), and river cruises on traditional roofed boats, there is definitely something for everyone!

Apart from the beautiful and tranquil nature this prefecture has, Kochi is also known for the place with the best local foods. Kochi’s blessed environment and climate made Kochi one of Japan’s top agricultural producers. Yuzu is one of them, and Kochi accounts for about 50% of the production share.

It is unclear exactly when the cultivation of Yuzu began but it has long been known that Kochi’s environment and climate are ideal for cultivation leading to its authentic and unique Yuzu taste compared to other areas.

In Kochi Prefecture, a traditional way of using Yuzu juice is to make Sushi rice. Sushi rice elsewhere is normally flavoured with rice vinegar, but in Kochi, Yuzu vinegar is replaced.

If you are a vegetarian or even if you are not, you have to try the Inaka sushi (also known as the countryside or rural sushi) when you are in Kochi! Instead of fishes or the usual toppings, various vegetables such as shiitake mushrooms, devil's tongue (Konjac), Japanese ginger, wasabi leaf, or bamboo shoots are used.

There are also many other ways Yuzu exists in a dish/product. Have you heard of Ponzu? Ponzu is a citrus-based sauce that is very popular in Japan - comprising of soy sauce, vinegar, Yuzu juice, or Yuzu Miso (a mixture of Miso with Yuzu peel used as a dipping sauce). Ponzu is most recommended with tataki (fish or meat grilled on the outside and raw on the inside), nabe (hot pot), and sashimi.

The harvest season for Yuzu is usually from November to December, and 20% are sold in whole fruits while 80% are processed into Yuzu juice. During the harvest season, freshly extracted Yuzu juice can be found in many street stalls at Sunday Market. Yuzu juice, which is called “Yuzusu” or “Yunosu” in Kochi, is one of the most important food cultures in Kochi.

Where can you find fresh Yuzu juice from Kochi Prefecture in Singapore? Well, Marigold released Yuzu juice in 2011, using the fresh Yuzu imported directly from Kochi. A very refreshing drink with a premium and authentic taste of Kochi Yuzu, perfect for the hot summer weather all year round in Singapore.

Yuzu products from Kochi can also be found in Meidi-ya or J-mart in Singapore, and a Kochi fair is held in Meidi-ya in March every year! For more information on Kochi prefecture/Yuzu, visit 高知家’s website or Kochi Prefecture’s official website!

Meidi-ya

Address: 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B2-111 to 121, Great World City, Singapore 237994

J-mart

Address (1): The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green #B1-28, Singapore 138617

Address (2): 2 Tampines Central 5 #B1-06, Century Square Singapore 529509

Check out some other Yuzu products from our reads below!

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Sake 101 With Sake Inn: A Newb’s Beginner Guide To Sake