March 16, 2023

Is Yuzu Fruit Worth Trying?

The hard-to-find citrus is trendy in the culinary world and good for you, too

Closeup of yellow yuzu fruit in a wicker basket.

A hard-to-find fruit known as yuzu is a trendy choice for zesting up dishes and drinks. But here’s the question: Does the nutritional value of this aromatic and flavorful citrus match its growing culinary buzz?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Let’s find out from registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD.

What is yuzu fruit?

The story of yuzu starts in Asia, either in China or Korea. There’s scholarly debate as to where the hybrid fruit originated. (Given that it happened more than 1,000 years ago, it’s doubtful that argument will be settled.)

The lemon-like fruit eventually found its way to Japan, where it became a favored ingredient in the nation’s cuisine.

Yuzu is renowned for its tart taste, which carries hints of lemon, grapefruit and orange. It also is extremely aromatic, with a floral citrus fragrance that borders on legendary. (More on that in a bit.)

The tree-born fruit continues to be grown in Asia, as well as Australia and several European nations (France, Italy and Spain). A limited amount of the fruit is grown in the United States, primarily in California.

So, why is fresh yuzu not seen in the produce bins at your local grocery store if you live in the U.S.? Well, the Department of Agriculture bans imports of the fruit of yuzu trees given concerns about potential plant diseases

“It’s very hard to get,” says Czerwony. “And if you do find it at a specialty market or order it online, expect it to be pretty expensive.” (Costs often start around $15 a pound for yuzu.)

Benefits of yuzu fruit

So, what kind of nutritional goodness is packed into a yuzu? As you might expect from a citrus fruit, it’s loaded with vitamin C. “That’s the big claim to fame with any citrus fruit,” notes Czerwony.

Advertisement

Yuzu also contains health-promoting bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and tannins. And it’s filled with nutrients like:

Adding yuzu to your diet may help you:

Reduce inflammation

Studies show that yuzu can help suppress inflammation in your body, which may make the fruit a natural remedy to relieve or minimize conditions such as asthma or inflammatory bowel disease.

Fight cancer

Yuzu is chock full of antioxidants that can protect cells in your body from diseases such as cancer, says Czerwony. Much of the focus centers on the anti-cancer properties of limonoids, which are found in yuzu and other citrus fruits.

Boost heart health

Extract from yuzu appears to protect against the formation of excessive blood clots, which may make it beneficial for people with an elevated risk of heart disease or stroke. Basically, the fruit acts as a blood thinner.

The vitamin C in yuzu also can reduce stress on your heart and keep your ticker ticking.

Maintain brain health

A bit of yuzu in your diet could help you stay mentally sharp. Studies show that the fruit may guard against dementia while improving memory and overall cognitive function.

Relax and unwind

The fragrance of yuzu isn’t just pleasant for your nose. The scent of yuzu has been shown to decrease stress, tension and anger after just 10 minutes, which can help your body relax and run more efficiently.

Advertisement

Yuzu fruit vs. lemon

So, is there a big nutritional difference between yuzu and lemons, citrus cousins that are the same bright yellow color and similarly sized? Not really, states Czerwony.

“The nutritional resume of yuzu is pretty comparable to any other citrus, including lemons and grapefruit,” she continues. “You’re getting similar benefits from all of them. Yuzu is not a superior fruit by any means.”

Yuzu and lemon are used similarly in cooking, too. Their juice and zest serve more as an accent or flavor enhancer for dishes or drinks — including coffee. (Yuzu espresso tonics are a thing, and lemon coffee trended as a weight-loss solution for a hot minute.)

So, is yuzu worth getting?

If you’re culinary curious and want to see what all the fuss is about, there’s no harm in tracking down a yuzu fruit. It does offer a unique taste that has been featured by some of the world’s top chefs.

But don’t go on a yuzu scavenger hunt thinking you’re getting a health food juggernaut.

“Yuzu is trendy, but it’s not nutritionally special,” says Czerwony. “Don’t go out of your way to find one thinking that it’s the key to better health. You can get the same benefits out of other citrus.”

Related Articles

variety of food groups containing manganese and magnesium
November 30, 2023
Manganese vs. Magnesium: Two Important Minerals With Key Differences

They’re both essential minerals but do different jobs in your body

holy basil leaves, known as tulsi, on wooden spoon
November 30, 2023
The Benefits of Holy Basil (Tulsi)

This herb offers different potential benefits from the basil you find in pesto

cool tropical smoothie with straw
November 30, 2023
Recipe: Cool Tropical Smoothie

A zesty thirst-quencher that’s dairy-free and vegan

salmon and broccoli over rice
November 29, 2023
6 Foods To Eat for Healthy Joints

Fish, cruciferous veggies, turmeric, yogurt, ginger and green tea all reduce inflammation

skillet of ground turkey stroganoff
November 28, 2023
Recipe: Healthy Turkey Stroganoff

A hearty dish that’s easy to put together

Top view of a bowl of chili topped with sour cream and jalapeños with tortilla chips for dipping.
November 24, 2023
Recipe Adventure: How To Build a Better Bowl of Chili

From meat to beans, we’ve got some ideas to help you create the perfect-for-you chili recipe

Spearmint tea in a glass see through cup with spearmint leaves scattered on the saucer and background.
November 22, 2023
3 Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea

This subtly minty beverage can help balance hormones and loosen stiff joints

Overhead closeup of cauliflower pseudo mashed potatoes in a bowl on a wooden table.
November 21, 2023
Recipe: Cauliflower Mashed Pseudo Potatoes

A creamy mashed cauliflower that’s sure to please

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad