Hetsuka Daidai Citrus (Kagoshima): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

From August to October the fruit is green and tart; in November and December it turns yellow and the acidity softens.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Hetsuka Daidai (Citrus sp. hetsukadaidai) is a type of citrus which has been inherited for a long time in the production area. The variety is different from another citrus, a bitter orange called “Daidai”. Hetsuka Daidai is smaller, thinner and the skin is smoother than “Daidai”. The rind has unique flavor like rime. The percentage of juice contained in each fruit is approximately 50%. Hetsuka Daidai is also characterized by its mild sourness and refreshing aroma.

Link with the production area

Hetsuka Daidai was named after “Hetsuka Community”, which is far removed from outer communities as the area is surrounded by mountains and the sea. Hetsuka Daidai is a native citrus which is confirmed to have existed in the area for a long time. Moreover, the seedling of Hetsuka Daidai is not allowed to be brought outside the region. Thus Hetsuka Daidai is cultivated and kept only in the production area as a regional specialty.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s57.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

A native aromatic citrus of Kimotsuki and Minami-Osumi towns on the Osumi Peninsula, Kagoshima Prefecture, long growing wild around the isolated Hetsuka community. Smaller than ordinary daidai, it has a thin, smooth rind with a lime-like scent, about 50 percent juice and gentle acidity. Seedlings are not taken out of town.

Hetsuka Daidai Citrus is produced in Kimotsuki Town and Minami-Osumi Town, Kimotsuki County, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Hetsuka Daidai Citrus is in season (harvested or shipped) in Aug–Dec. From August to October the fruit is green and tart; in November and December it turns yellow and the acidity softens.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Hetsuka Daidai Citrus was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 15, 2017 (Registration No. 57). The registered producer group is Kagoshima Kimotsuki Agricultural Cooperative.