What is Yuzu?
Yuzu is an exotic citrus fruit that comes from a citrus tree named Citrus junos. This tree is originally originated in China. But, it is more popular in Japan and Korea, where is known as Yuja. Mainly the juice and the zest are used for various purposes, such as in drinks and exotic dishes. It looks exactly like a mandarin in shape and the color is bright yellow. It can not be termed as a table fruit for its extremely sour taste. In recent times, it is also been cultivated in parts of Australia. Yuzu an exotic citrus fruit is loved because of its refreshing fragrance.
Nutritious Value of Yuzu an Exotic Citrus Fruit
Yuzu is extremely low in calories but pretty rich in nutrients. 100 g of this fruit contains:
- Calories: 55
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin C: Almost 57% D.V.
- Vitamin A: 32% of D.V.
- Thiamine: 4% of D.V.
- Vitamin B6: 5% of D.V.
- Vitamin B5: 4% of D.V.
- Copper: 5.5% of D.V.
Yuzu also contains some essential minerals in small amounts such as zinc, calcium, vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, iron, and magnesium.
We can not forget the important plant-based enzymes Yuzu has like limonoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
These enzymes do the job of antioxidants in the human body. Antioxidants can lower inflammation, fight against cancer-causing cells, and improve heart health. You will discuss all the benefits of this fruit in detail.
Yuzu & its anti-cancer properties
Yuzu has a lot of goodness in it that helps to grow immunity in our bodies to fight against any form of cancer.
Among the plant compounds, Yuzu is packed with limonoids. Research shows that limonoids are the ultimate substance that fights against colon, prostate, and breast cancer.
On top of that, Yuzu has both nobiletin and tangeretin. Nobiletin suppresses the growth of tumor cells whereas tangeretin fights against cells causing leukemia.
Improves Brain Health
After various test-tube and on-animal researches, scientists concluded that Yuzu juice can do wonders to improve brain health in human beings. It can save protect us from Alzheimer’s disease.
Yuzu can improve our brain function as well. Along with that, it can control blood sugar levels as well.
Yuzu is full of enzymes like flavonoids and naringenin protects us from brain ailments, such as hyper-stress and tension, proteins damaging the brain, memory loss, etc. However, all these tests are done on animals.
The enigmatic aroma of the fruit
Enzymes such as linalool and limonene give the scent and fragrance to Yuzu an exotic fruit. Oil can be extracted from the peel of this fruit which is pleasantly aromatic.
Various studies said that oil extracted from Yuzu has calming effects on human beings. It helps in anxiety and tension.
According to a test done on 20 odd women, they were given to inhale the Yuzu scent for a few minutes. They concluded that they have felt pleasure, lower stress, depression, confusion, anger and tension for almost an hour. Adding to it, it reduces the high heart rate and boosts internal immunity.
Yuzu scent gives emotional relief on inhaling; the same effects as other wonderful fragrances.
Some other health benefits of this fruit
- Lowers diabetic levels: Studies on mice showed that Yuzu peel can lower sugar levels in the blood.
- Reduces high cholesterol levels: Another study on mice showed that peel extract from this fruit helps to reduce extra body fat and weight. It reduces bad or LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Enhances heart health: Yuzu helps to repair damaged cells in the heart rapidly after a coronary attack. But primarily, as Yuzu juice works extremely well in improving blood flow in our body, it lowers the risk of heart attack to a considerable extent.
- Boosts Bone Health: Due to the high nutrient levels in Yuzu, it may have some outstandingly good effects in strengthening bone health. Recent studies also show that it can work wonders to make our bone strong.
Commercial Uses of Yuzu
The uses of Yuzu are exploding in bars and restaurants. A ton of exotic dishes and fancy drinks can be prepared using Yuzu an exotic fruit.
As you already know by now, only the zest and juice of this fruit is edible. Not because it is harmful or anything like that but it tastes even more intense than lemon and hence it is tough to handle. The juice or zest is being used by many sauce manufacturing companies. It can be used as a flavorful seasoning to dishes or as a fruity ingredient in a cocktail.
Often sugar is added with Yuzu juice to cut the extreme sourness of the fruit. And then, it is used to make candies, ice-creams, truffles, cupcakes, etc.
The intense tart flavor of the juice nullifies the alcoholic odor of the cocktails. Instead, it gives the drinks a punch of fruity essence. Yuzu can be a great substitute for lemon or lime, in fact, the essence is even more pleasing than these other citruses.
Now, Yuzu is widely used in food dishes as well. It can be used as a great dressing for boring salads and roasted vegetables. The zest is sprinkled on top of grilled chicken and smoked salmon to add an extra kick of freshness to the dish. The most traditional use of Yuzu is the Japanese Ponzu sauce. It is served as a special dip for dumplings or can be used as an excellent marinade for all kinds of meat. The acid in the juice acts as a meat tenderizer as well.
Yuzu is an exotic fruit with a combination of a pleasant aroma, sour taste, amusing essence, and tons of health benefits.
Scientists are still working on this fruit to find the exact health beneficiary qualities of this fruit. But, recent research has shown that Yuzu enhances brain health, normalizes blood flow, and also has anti-cancerous properties.
Mainly the juice and zest of this fruit can be used in a wide range of dishes and drinks, primarily as aromatic dressings and seasonings. It is truly a wonderful substitute for other sour fruits.