Yuzu Citrus: A Day at the “Yuzu You” Orchard

Fragrant and zesty yuzu… a citrus fruit with sharp thorns and a knack for surviving the icy winds we get here in Nishi-Awa! It’s a bit… hard to describe. When my friends in Canada ask me what yuzu is, often I can get away with calling it a “lemon-like citrus” but it’s so much more than that! Fruity and sour with a dash of sweetness? And the fragrance! The moment you enter a yuzu orchard, you know it from the fruity and floral tang in the air.

In November, we were lucky enough to be invited to “Yuzu You”’s (IG @yuzu_turugi_tokushima) groves in Tsurugi Town. It was nearing the end of the yuzu season, so we could freely pick the citrus and take them home… and even taste them right in the grove. ✨

The owner, Ms. Yoshioka, encouraged us to try eating the peel! At first, I was a little reserved, as the last part of the fruit you expect to eat raw is the peel! But Yuzu You grows their fruit all organic, meaning you can use every part of the citrus, including the peel, the seeds, and the juicy center! It’s surprisingly tasty and refreshing. You can shave the peel and mince it for use in cooking and sweets, too, like jams and cakes and even as a savory garnish for pizza, etc! 

We were treated to a delicious yuzu lunch, as well, and let me tell you… squeezing yuzu juice into miso soup? Utterly ingenious. 🍋 (And into everything… from now on 😚)

Yuzu Fun Facts
🍋 Unlike mandarin oranges, yuzu trees have thick and sharp thorns--you need gloves and long sleeves for picking them.

🍋 Yuzu are one of the strongest to cold among citrus, and can survive up to -9C conditions.

🍋 Because yuzu are so aromatic, they’re often used in baths, and some onsen even have yuzu bath (yuzuyu) days where they fill the hot water with bobbing yuzu. ✨ The yuzu bath has become one with welcoming the New Year in Japan.

🍋 Yuzu jams and misos are also very popular in Tokushima, and you can purchase them at most Roadside Stations. Check out Roadside Station Sadamitsu Yuyukan and Roadside Station Mima for Yuzu You’s products!

Yuzu You HP → 
https://www.yuzuyuuu.com/

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November 2025 | Tsurugi, Tokushima
徳島県つるぎ町