Everything You Need to Know About Yuzu and Yuzu Green Tea

May 27, 2023

Yuzu (柚子) is still a popular fruit mixed with other ingredients and can be a standalone tea, while Japanese green tea is popular too, especially with Sencha, one of the top Japanese tea leaves of high quality. Yuzu is a citrus fruit in Japan and is believed to be a hybrid of sour mandarin and ichang papeda.

The fruit looks similar to a small grapefruit, with a bumpy yellow-orange rind that is thin and fragrant. The flesh inside is tart and juicy, with a flavor often described as a cross between a grapefruit and a mandarin orange.

Picture of Yuzu

In making Yuzu tea, the fruit is sliced thinly and combined with honey and hot water to make a sweet and refreshing tea. Some recipes add ingredients such as ginger or cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

(Note: Our Yuzu Sencha uses dried Yuzu peel without any other ingredients.)

In Japan, Yuzu tea is often enjoyed during the winter to warm up and fight off colds and other illnesses. Due to its unique and flavorful taste, it is also sometimes used as an ingredient in cocktails, sauces, and marinades.

Is Yuzu the same as citron and lemon?

Yuzu and citron are similar in some ways but not the same fruit. Citron (also known as Buddha's hand) is a citrus fruit originally from China and India.

Yuzu and citron have a thick, bumpy rind and a unique and fragrant aroma. However, the flesh of Yuzu is juicy and tart, while the citron is dry and less flavorful. Therefore, Yuzu is typically used for its juice and zest, while citron is often used for its zest only.

Lemon is a medium-sized citrus fruit with a bright yellow, smooth rind and a sour, juicy pulp. It is native to Asia but is now grown and used worldwide for its refreshing flavor and versatility in cooking and baking.

In Japanese cuisine, Yuzu, particularly the peel, is a common ingredient in teas, soups, sauces, and dressings, while citron is often used to flavor drinks and desserts. While these fruits have unique characteristics and uses, they are often used interchangeably in recipes and can be substituted for each other.

Japanese Kaiseki Soup with Yuzu peel on top

When was Yuzu green tea discovered?

It is difficult to determine precisely when this blend was first discovered, but it is believed that Yuzu in Japan was imported from China during the 700s. But Yuzu cultivated in Japan has a more decadent aroma and is sweeter than Yuzu grown in other countries. It has been consumed for centuries in Japan. Yuzu has been used in traditional Japanese medicine and culinary arts for centuries, and green tea has been a popular beverage in Japan. Combining the two would have been a natural Japanese cuisine and culture progression. 

Yuzu tea is a traditional Japanese citrus tea made from Yuzu, while Japanese green tea has been a popular beverage in Japan since the year 710 and is still widely consumed today for its health benefits and refreshing taste.

The combination of green tea and Yuzu is natural, as both ingredients are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and cuisine. Yuzu green tea is believed to have originated in the Kochi Prefecture of Japan (高知県), where Yuzu fruit is particularly abundant.

Today, Yuzu green tea is enjoyed throughout Japan and is gaining popularity worldwide for its unique and refreshing flavor. It makes the green tea a bit fruity with a relaxing aroma. It is typically made by steeping green tea leaves in hot water and adding dried Yuzu peel to taste. Some variations also include honey or other sweeteners to balance the tartness of the Yuzu fruit.

Health Benefits of Yuzu Green Tea

Here are some of the potential health benefits of drinking Yuzu green tea:

1. Rich in antioxidants: Both green tea and Yuzu fruit are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from stress and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
   
   
2. Boosts the immune system: Yuzu fruit, rich in vitamin C, boosts the immune system. Drinking Yuzu green tea can help support immune system function and reduce the risk of illness.
   
   
3. Reduces inflammation: Green tea contains compounds like catechins and EGCG that have anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, drinking Yuzu green tea may reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health.
   
   
4. Improves digestion: Yuzu fruit is a natural digestive aid thanks to its high fiber content and digestive enzymes. Drinking Yuzu green tea may help improve digestion and reduce symptoms like bloating and constipation.
   
   
5. Promotes relaxation: Yuzu has a relaxing and uplifting scent that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. In addition, drinking Yuzu green tea may help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mood.

While more research and studies are needed to fully understand the health benefits of Yuzu green tea, incorporating this refreshing and flavorful tea into your diet may offer a range of potential health benefits.

Organic and Safe Yuzu Green Tea 

Yuzu green tea from Japanese Green Tea Co. is a blend of Japanese green tea and peels from Yuzu fruit. Here's a brief overview of each ingredient:

Green Tea: Japanese green tea is typically steamed after harvesting to prevent oxidation and preserve its fresh, grassy flavor. The leaves are then dried and sorted by grade. Japanese green tea leaves blend with other ingredients like Yuzu to create flavored green teas.

Yuzu Fruit: Yuzu fruit is harvested in the winter months when it is ripe and fragrant. The fruit is then washed and peeled.

With high-quality, all-natural Japanese green tea combined with all-natural dried Yuzu peel, tea drinking is safe and does not contain additives or harmful chemicals.

Some blends are sold as loose-leaf tea, while others come in tea bags or sachets. The tea can be prepared by steeping in hot water for a few minutes and can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on personal preference.

Buy New Japanese Green Tea Co. Yuzu Sencha

As an award-winning tea provider for its quality and taste, Japanese Green Tea Co. strictly checks the origin and quality of tea leaves, including other attributes, to ensure that tea drinkers can get the best out of their tea drinks.

Our Yuzu Sencha blend is made to bring a fresh green tea grassy Sencha with a hint of sweet yet citrusy taste that will make you feel calm and better.

Click here or the button below to try Japanese Green Tea Co. Yuzu Sencha. (Only available on Amazon right now.)

Buy Yuzu Sencha

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