Kito Yuzu (Tokushima): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Green yuzu appears from around late August, and ripe yellow yuzu from around November.

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

Kito Yuzu is a yuzu (citrus) which is highly fragrant and has a beautiful rind. It does not easily get infected by diseases that cause damages to the rind. The rind is thick and the inside is very juicy.

Link with the production area

The production area is surrounded by mountains with altitude of 1000m or above. The area has microthermal climate and high precipitation. This natural conditions prevent the spread of citrus diseases in summer and makes Kito Yuzu become beautiful yellow.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s42.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

Kito Yuzu is grown in Naka Town, Tokushima Prefecture. Half a century of selecting superior strains has produced fruit with thick rind, plenty of juice and a fine aroma. The cool, high-altitude climate with heavy summer rain also means few rind blemishes and an attractive appearance.

Kito Yuzu is produced in Naka Town, Naka County, Tokushima Prefecture.

Kito Yuzu is in season (harvested or shipped) in Aug–Dec. Green yuzu appears from around late August, and ripe yellow yuzu from around November.

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

Kito Yuzu was registered as a Geographical Indication on September 15, 2017 (Registration No. 42). The registered producer group is Kito Yuzu Promotion Association.