Yuzu (Japanese Citrus)
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
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.
Bottled yuzu juice
It has the real taste but less smell. Many brands add salt, so check the label.
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.