During this time of year, everyone is concerned about immune health. Everyone seems at risk for infection, from the person coughing behind you at the grocery store to your sniffling children – citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit support immune health.
The citrus fruit is often used in liquor and marmalade; you may have seen it on cocktail menus. Despite its recent popularity in the U.S., this fruit has over 1,000-year roots. A registered dietitian explains how to experiment at home with yuzu and why it is beneficial.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/maroke
Yuzu – What Is It?
Hazel Ng, a registered dietitian at SmartEater, explains that yuzu originated in China over 1,000 years ago. Yuzu originated in China but is now grown worldwide.
How Does Yuzu Taste?
Yuzu tastes bright and refreshing like other citrus fruits. Ng describes it as a lemon and mandarin orange mix with lime and grapefruit notes. The yuzu taste is complex and layered.
How Does Yuzu Work?
Because of its vibrant taste, there are many ways to experiment with and use yuzu. Yuzu is quite tart, so it isn’t usually eaten as is (just as most people wouldn’t eat lemons or limes), but all parts of the plant, even the peel, and seeds, are edible. Ng says the juice, peel, and seeds can flavor vinegar, seasonings, sauces, marmalade, and marinade meat. The yuzu fruit is used differently in Japan, China, and Korea, where it is widely available.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/HikoPhotography
How Does Yuzu Benefit Your Health?
- It may help boost the immune system
- Promotes gut health
- Enhances bone strength
- Promotes brain health
- Reduce stress with yuzu
Conclusion
Yuzu may be more complex to find than oranges, grapefruit, or lemon, but its complex taste may be an excellent addition to your cooking. Yuzu can be prepared in various ways, just like other fruits. There are many ways to use it, and you will benefit your body. You can certainly reap the benefits of yuzu in your diet!