Yuzu (Japanese Citrus)
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Yuzu (Japanese Citrus)

Availability: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ (Specialty store)

What is it?

A small, bumpy Japanese citrus. It has little juice but a very fragrant peel. Cooks use both the juice and the peel.

Substitution Guide

✅ Best Substitute

Lemon and orange juice (3 to 2) with lemon zest

Lemon brings the acid and orange softens it. The zest adds the peel smell yuzu is known for.

⚠️ Acceptable

Bottled yuzu juice

It has the real taste but less smell. Many brands add salt, so check the label.

🚫 NEVER Use

Lime juice alone

Lime smells green and sharp. It pulls the dish toward Thai or Mexican flavors.

Related Ingredients

Did you know?

🔬

Yuzu ripens in late autumn and winter. On the winter solstice, many families float yuzu in the bath.

Sensory Profile

Floral and bright, like lemon mixed with mandarin. The bumpy peel feels oily to the touch.