yuzu

British  

/ ˈjuːzuː /

noun

1. a citrus fruit about the size of a golf ball, a hybrid of a primitive citrus called Ichang papeda and a mandarin, which grows on tall trees in Japan and has a strong sour flavour. Its rind and juice are a popular ingredient in Japanese cookery

---

Etymology

Origin of yuzu

C21: Japanese

Explanation

A yuzu is a sour fruit that's related to lemons and oranges. A ripe yuzu is the size of a clementine and has a bumpy peel that's bright yellow. The fragrant East Asian yuzu is a hybrid fruit, a cross between a sour mandarin orange and an Ichang papeda. It was originally grown in China, though it's most often found in Japanese and Korean cuisine, from soups and sauces to desserts. Yuzu isn't just sour — its flavor is complex, often described as a combination of citrus fruits with floral undertones. Yuzu is Japanese, and in Korean it's called yuja.

Example Sentences

My wife loves a particular sake and I love Mitsu Mitsu, which has ritual zero proof gin, rosemary and yuzu honey.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

Seoul's presidential office said the drink was flavoured with yuzu, a citrus fruit.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

From coffee infused with yuzu to milky mango topped with matcha mousse, these are our favorite picks for over-the-top drinks that taste just as good as they look.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

A yuzu and pear preserve has taken the top title at the World Marmalade Awards.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2025

Add unexpected flavors like ginger, sesame oil, yuzu or even pomegranate molasses.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2025