“Yuzu” and 5 More Japanese Fruits You Must Try

People from all over the world love and enjoy Japan's wide variety of wonderfully unique and extremely delicious fruits. Some of these fruits are common and inexpensive, while others are luxurious and pricey. So, if you’re ever in Japan, you must try a few of them or try them all!

In Japan, fruit culture is special and strictly handled with care. To emphasize, the country's agricultural organization is the one that establishes rigorous standards and guidelines in size, color, and flavor for these precious fruits.

Fruits are grown all year in some parts of the country, whereas others are only grown during specific seasons. Japanese fruits, no matter how rare they may be, are always a treat. Some are popular gifts for specific occasions, while others are considered important decorations for social events. Let’s take a virtual market tour of the perfectly produced Japanese fruits of all time.

1. 桃 (Momo) / Peach

In Japan, peaches play an important role in religious rituals. Japanese peaches are softer and bigger than those typically found in supermarkets. Peaches are abundant during the summer season and make popular summer presents that can cost from 3,000 to 6,000 Japanese Yen.

2. 梨 (Nashi) / Pear

Nashi, also known as the Asian pear, has been cultivated in Japan since the Edo period. In comparison to Western pears, these pears are larger, crisper, and juicier, though their skin is a little rougher than typical pears.

3. 柿 (Kaki) / Persimmon

Since the 7th century, persimmons, also known as kaki, have been grown in Japan. Persimmons are commonly eaten raw and chopped into little pieces. They are a favorite snack during the fall and winter seasons.

4. 柚子 (Yuzu) / Citrus fruit

Yuzu is a citrus fruit that is very popular in East Asian countries. The oil from these lemon-sized citrus fruits is often used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Yuzus are delicious, acidic accents to recipes, vinegars, and marmalades.

5. 蜜柑 (Mikan) / Tangerine or Mandarin Orange

Mikans are one of Japan's most popular fruits and are distributed worldwide. This winter fruit appears around the Japanese New Year. They're little, quick to peel, and incredibly cheap yet full of taste.

6. 梅干 (Ume) / Plum

Japanese plums, or Ume, are rarely eaten raw; people prefer them pickled, known as umeboshi. Umeboshi are typically used in bento or onigiri. Japanese plums are also used to produce umeshu, a beloved type of sweet plum wine.