Soluna · Eixample · Barcelona

What is yuzu? The Japanese citrus with a unique aroma

Yuzu is a small, bumpy Japanese citrus with an aroma that recalls mandarin, grapefruit and lime all at once. It is used for its zest and juice, never as a table fruit.

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Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona

What is yuzu

Yuzu (Citrus junos) is an ancient hybrid grown in Japan, Korea and China. The pulp is full of seeds and is barely eaten; the value lies in the very sour, floral juice and the intensely perfumed zest.

What it tastes like

It blends the acidity of lime with notes of mandarin and grapefruit and an unmistakable floral background. It is more aromatic than lemon and less bitter than grapefruit.

Yuzu (Citrus junos) is an ancient hybrid grown in Japan, Korea and China.

How it is used in Japanese cooking

The juice goes into ponzu, dressings and sauces for raw fish; the grated zest perfumes broths, soups and seafood. It also appears in desserts, ice cream, sorbets and drinks. A little zest at the end adds freshness without extra acidity.

Yuzu and Mediterranean produce

Its fine acidity pairs well with shellfish, soft creams and white fish, making it a natural ally of Japanese-Mediterranean cooking such as the kind offered at Soluna.