The Wasabi Company, based in Dorset boasts possibly the largest range of Yuzu based products in the UK as Yuzu is predicted to be the flavour of ’21.
Yuzu, the citrus fruit that looks like a cross between a lemon, lime and grapefruit with a similarly hybrid flavour of sharp lime, lemon and grapefruit with overtones of mandarin, has, over the years, slowly been gaining popularity in culinary circles, however, 2021 has been predicted to be ‘Yuzu’s year’.
Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company, monitors emerging consumer trends in flavours and noted that even before the pandemic, Yuzu had been used increasingly in food manufacture. Now, as we come out of the pandemic and consumers place a new-found importance on nutrition and wellbeing, Yuzu’s influence looks set to grow as it fulfils both those needs thanks to its reputation as a powerhouse of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Yuzu is believed to have originated in China, eventually reaching Japan well over a millennium ago through the Korean Peninsula. It flourished in the island nation, with which it is most associated today. In Japan, yuzu is an important part of traditional Kaiseki haute cuisine and is also closely associated with the winter solstice, where the fruit symbolises sunshine and good luck for the season ahead.
Yuzu is an integral ingredient in many Japanese products, such as ponzu, but Yuzu juice itself can be used to flavour desserts, marinades or give a kick to cocktails. The Wasabi Company, the UK’s only grower of English wasabi, also curates over 250 Japanese products sourced from the finest artisanal producers in Japan, while also developing its own range of condiments using Japanese ingredients including yuzu and wasabi.
To give the flavour of the year a try, simply visit www.wasabicompany.co.uk and look at the full range but below are a few favourites to whet your appetite:
Yuzu Mustard (175g) £3.50
The yuzu provides a unique tart, fresh flavour which in our Yuzu Mustard contrasts deliciously with the mild heat of the mustard. Enjoy with cheeses or add to sauces and dressings for salads.
Yuzu Jam (210g) £6.95
Yuzu citrus takes traditional marmalade to a whole new level; a tart flavour combining mandarin, grapefruit and lemon that’s wholly original and yet reassuringly familiar. Sublime on toast.
Yuzu Mayonnaise (175g) £3.50
The aromatic and tart flavour of fresh yuzu combines exceptionally well with this all natural mayonnaise. An excellent topping to salmon, crab canapés or with scallops, Yuzu Mayonnaise also makes an original zesty dip and is delicious with avocado toast.
Yuzu Soy Sauce (200ml) £9.75
Delicious freshly squeezed yuzu juice delivers a tart counterpoint to classic, premium rich soy. The result is the very essence of Japan. Use as a sumptuous dip for sushi and sashimi, or simple prawns, or to enhance dressings, sauces and marinades.
Qyuzu Tonic 200ml £1.65
Laced with the powerful citrus fragrance of yuzu, this is a tonic that can be appreciated all on its own or used to bring some citrus zing to a gin or vodka, or for lifting cocktails and mocktails. Bracingly tart juice with a strong flavour, yuzu manages to combine mandarin, lemon and grapefruit yet remain a complex flavour all of its own. Perfectly balanced this tonic captures all that flavour in a can bubbling with the original zing of fresh yuzu delivering a floral, aromatic and refreshing flavour.
Yuzu Juice 100ml £8.60
Packed with powerful citrus punch this 100% yuzu juice is produced from hand squeezed, whole fruits grown in the heart of Wakayama. Only a small amount is enough to flavour ice cream, sorbets and cocktails and it makes an excellent marinade for meat or fish and can be added to salad dressing, mayonnaise and vinaigrette.
The Ito family have been tending the same citrus groves since 1897. Ideal sites with south facing slopes and a commitment to 100% natural fertilisers mean their juices have long been selected as amongst the best in Japan. Only the first pressing is used for juice, this is done by hand with none of the modern chemical or mechanical extraction methods that are now commonplace elsewhere. This obsessive dedication leads to a pure juice that delivers an intense fragrance and freshness from every bottle.
Yama Yuzu – Yuzu Sake £29 8% ABV
Perfectly balanced Yuzu sake with elegant acidity from Tsukasa Botan brewery in Kochi prefecture. Filled with the fruity aroma of Yuzu and extremely refreshing and delicate on the palate. Drink cold from the bottle or with ice in a glass.
Creates wonderful yuzu sours and brings complex and aromatic citrus flavours to cocktails.
uzushu – Yuzu Shochu 720ml £28 ABV 10%
Fresh and zesty yuzu Kodakara Yuzu liqueur is made from the finest yuzu from Kochi Prefecture located on the Pacific Seaside of Shikoku Island and famous for Yuzu.
It has a fresh and zesty style making for a wonderfully refreshing and thirst-quenching drink especially when served ice cold, on the rocks or mixed with soda. Tatenokawa the makers of this fine liqueur, also recommend drinking it hot in the winter.
Perfect when paired with desserts and drunk by itself or with soda.
Fresh Yuzu Juice 200ml £13.95
Hand squeezed, 100% fresh yuzu juice from Japan. The powerful, aromatic zing delivered by just a drop or two means this juice packs a big punch in salad dressings, vinaigrettes and sauces. Particularly good with fish it also makes an excellent marinade for chicken and will hold its flavour even when barbecued.
Serving suggestion: Yuzu will deliver a surprising and original citrus flavour to any cream dishes or cakes that suit lemon; cheesecakes, ice cream and sorbet all work very well. A dash in a G&T or any cocktail makes a hugely popular change and yuzu sours, margaritas and mojitos all come highly recommended!
If you would prefer to squeeze your own Yuzu juice, The Wasabi Company can facilitate that. When in season, they sell yuzu fruit:
Fresh Yuzu £7.50 for 250g (in season from September)
Fresh yuzu is small, unripe and a green/yellow in September, however it will ripen and grow larger through October with the season lasting into December – perfect for Christmas. Ripe yuzu delivers the famously aromatic and complex blend of citrus with notes of mandarin, grapefruit and lemon which can add a fantastic burst of powerful citrus to cocktails and sparkling water. Stores well in the fridge for 14 days.
Yuzu Trees £59
But if ‘grow your own’ is more your bag, The Wasabi Company even sells three types of yuzu trees for £59 each. The trees can be treated as houseplants and nurtured in a pot or can be planted in the garden.
Yuzu has been an essential element of Japanese cuisine for centuries; it is used to flavour ponzus, soy sauces, miso, honey and chilli paste. European chefs have embraced its famously tart juice in dishes as wide ranging as fish and white meat to sorbets, ice creams and cheesecakes. Yuzu juice and zest are also big hits with the cocktail crowd and a yuzu gin & tonic is like discovering the drink all over again! You too can enjoy yuzu! Unlock the wonders of it for yourself and explore the range of yuzu products available from The Wasabi Company at www.wasabicompany.co.uk. Some of The Wasabi Company condiments are also on sale from Ocado.
