Hassaku

Hassaku is a Japanese citrus fruit of uncertain origin. It is thought to have been discovered in a temple in Hirochima Prefecture at the end of the 19th century. While the Japanese believe it comes from Japan, the Chinese believe it comes from China. It doesn’t really matter who discovered this citrus fruit first, because the question is: who are its parents?

The hassaku is a strange natural hybrid between a grapefruit tree and a kuendo mandarin tree (a variety of Chinese mandarin introduced to Okinawa via Indochina in the 16th century). The size of a small grapefruit, with a light orange peel, it is a highly acidic fruit that must be stored in a dark place for two months before being eaten (to calm its acidity).

The Japanese eat it in slices with a little sugar, taking care to remove the bitter white peel. It can also be made into juice and eaten fresh. It can also be used in desserts (jelly, jam, coulis, ice cream ….) or as a peel. It is particularly appreciated for the freshness and zest it brings to cakes and savoury dishes.

Hassaku is particularly popular in Japan and has been celebrated in Kyoto for over a century!