Have you heard about yuzu? Also known as japanese lemon, this ingredient is very common in Asian cuisine and is becoming increasingly popular in Brazil.
Then, what is yuzu? It is a citrus fruit from the same family as orange, lemon, tangerine and grapefruit. Yuzu stands out mainly for its acidic taste and delicate aroma.
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Keep reading to learn more about this delicacy.
Although it has become better known in Japan, to the point of being called a Japanese lemon, that is not the country of origin of yuzu. The fruit was discovered more than a millennium ago in the east chinese and in central regions of Tibet.
It was later introduced in Japan and Korea, where it began to be widely cultivated and used in cooking and as a pharmaceutical ingredient.
It was brought to western countries at the beginning of the 21st century, when it began to be used in various dishes in the U.S.
Yuzu has a yellowish color and rough, irregular skin, similar to a grapefruit. Its size can vary between 5 and 10 centimeters in diameter.
The flavor is intense and acidic, with touches of tangerine, lemon and grape, with a unique characteristic aroma. Furthermore, yuzu has antioxidant properties and is rich in vitamin C.
It can be grown in hot or cold climates, adapting well to each of them. Although it is still difficult to find the product on the market, there are already small groups of yuzu producers in São Paulo.
In general, yuzu is not consumed as a fruit, but as an ingredient in traditional recipes, desserts and cakes. The rind can be cut into thin strips and used to flavor and decorate dishes.
Yuzu juice is used as a seasoning, just like lemon. It can also be raw material for sauces, such as ponzu and the yuzu kosho. Yuzu can also be used in the production of syrup and tea.
The “Japanese lemon” can be used in alcoholic beverages, whether in the production of ciders, liqueurs and wines or as an ingredient for other drinks.
Due to its properties, yuzu is used as a natural remedy for flu and colds. Yuzu bark oil is also used as a fragrance and can be applied to moisturize and perfume the skin.
A Japanese tradition is yuzu baths, in which whole berries or pieces of yuzu are placed in hot water. It is performed during the winter solstice.
In addition to preventing flu, this therapeutic practice also helps to relax the body and mind, and improves blood circulation.
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