A zesty fruit, a medicinal powerhouse, a cultural touchstone and a powerful botanical in our gin; we dive into why yuzu is such an enduring ingredient.
What is it?
Hidden within the misty groves of Japan’s Shikoku Island, for centuries this ancient fruit has symbolized vitality, resilience, and renewal. Known as the "golden gem" of Japanese winters, yuzu's invigorating aroma and vibrant zest have graced baths, teas and feasts alike.
Yuzu, or Citrus junos is a citrus fruit originating in East Asia, where it has been cultivated for at least a thousand years. With a distinctive bumpy appearance and deeply aromatic flavour (somewhere between a grapefruit and a mandarin), people there find countless uses for it, from sauces and marinades to therapeutic baths.
A Delicious Accompaniment
If you’ve ever had (proper) Japanese food, then chances are you may have had a taste of yuzu. Whether squeezed over fish, aged with salt and chillies into yuzu kosho or flavouring a sublime dessert, it’s incredibly versatile. It also finds its way into drinks, whether as a soft drink flavouring, a bittersweet tea or in a deceptively punchy alcoholic sour with Shochu.
Yuzu is also a signature botanical in Hidden Curiosities Gin, making its presence felt in both our London Dry and Aranami gins. Bearing in mind gin’s long standing love affair with citrus, alongside the deep inspiration we took from Japan when concocting the recipes, yuzu was a natural partner; its complex and fragrant flavour profile is perfect. In common with other citrus fruits, the juice and the peel have entirely different characters and can be used in different ways, with one providing freshness and zing and the other providing sweetness and fragrance. Yuzu even plays well with other herbs, adding brightness while mellowing bitterness and adding its own distinctive fragrance to the distillation.
Health Benefits
Yuzu’s use as a health tonic dates back as far as the plant itself, with its medicinal and nutritional benefits well understood.
Rich in Vitamin C
Like all citrus fruits, yuzu is very high in vitamin C. This is a crucial nutrient for the body, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation and helping to repair damaged cells. Importantly at this time of year, vitamin C helps fight off winter illnesses like colds, chills and flu.
High in other antioxidants
As well as vitamin C, Yuzu’s high rate of flavonoids and carotenoids makes it a great way to fight off the onset of chronic diseases such as cancers and heart disease, and can prevent free radical damage in the cells. These compounds help your body fight off all kinds of unseen problems.
Improves circulation
Yuzu also contains compounds that may enhance blood flow and reduce blood pressure. The chemical Naringin is found throughout, which can help prevent blood clots and inflammation in the body.
Aids digestion
The fruit and its peel contain fibre and compounds that support gut health, with the anti-inflammatory properties also work on the digestive tract. As well as being a digestible food in itself, it can also have a positive effect on metabolic rate, encouraging fat burn and lowering insulin resistance.
Skin health
The oil from yuzu peel is often used in cosmetics and cleansers for its hydrating and brightening properties, as well as its wonderful fragrance. Its ability to exfoliate while moisturising is well known.
Promotes relaxation
In its native lands, yuzu's aroma has long been believed to have calming effects, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation. This has led to its use in traditional medicine as well as in aromatherapy treatments (more on this later!).
Cultural Significance
The plant’s many health benefits and long history as a cultivar have imparted a great deal of cultural significance to yuzu. Used as a cure-all and a relaxation aid, it’s common to take a yuzu bath in winter in Japan, especially around the winter solstice (Toji). Whole yuzu fruits are floated in a hot bath, either in the home or in a communal Onsen, with the natural oils releasing their relaxing fragrance and warding off colds and flu. What’s more, the fruit has a positive effect on the skin, exfoliating, softening and cleansing.
The tradition dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868) and has survived to this day, even with more modern techniques available, demonstrating the powers of the traditional ways. What’s more, the word yuzuru means to grant abundance, with the symbolism of health and prosperity not lost on bathers.
However, human beings are not the only creatures who love a yuzu bath…
The Famous Floating Capybara of Izu
In 1982, an employee at the Izu Shaboten Zoo in Japan noticed their capybaras huddling together in a warm puddle during winter. Seeing this, they had a brainwave; wouldn’t the capybara enjoy a warm yuzu bath in the winter, just like the Japanese people? A tradition was born.
Every year on the winter solstice, capybara at the zoo are treated to a hot yuzu bath to help them warm up and relax, also giving visitors the chance to see this most blissed-out of animals enjoy themselves. A tropical and sub-tropical animal in their native range, the warm waters will surely be a welcome sight! What’s more, the tradition caught on, with more zoos and Onsen across Japan offering their capybara yuzu baths, helping them ward off the winter cold. It’s a charming sight; if you’re ever in Japan over the winter, we highly recommend going to see them!
The Perfect Cocktail Ingredient
As well as being a key ingredient in our gin itself, yuzu also makes a characterful and versatile cocktail component, with a fragrance and perfumed punch that makes it quite distinct from any other citrus. Try our recipe below for an induction into the joys of yuzu:
Yuzu Solstice Martini
Ingredients
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50ml Hidden Curiosities Gin (or Aranami Strength for a bold twist)
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25ml yuzu juice (fresh if possible)
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15ml simple syrup (or honey syrup for added depth)
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5ml Triple Sec or Cointreau
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Ice cubes
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Garnish: Yuzu zest twist or a thin yuzu slice
Method
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Fill a shaker with ice and add the gin, yuzu juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur.
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Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until mixed and well chilled.
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Strain into a chilled martini glass.
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Garnish with a curl of yuzu zest or a floating yuzu slice for an elegant finish.
Tasting Notes
This Martini opens with a burst of bright, zesty citrus that gives way to the complex botanicals of the gin. The balance of tart yuzu and sweet syrup creates a refreshing harmony, while the garnish offers a hint of the fruit’s floral notes. Perfect for winter evenings or celebratory moments, this cocktail is as radiant as the solstice sun.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy with sashimi, light tempura, or a citrus-infused dessert like yuzu cheesecake, or our yuzu and sansho pepper macarons - see our recipe here.
Ideal for winter solstice celebrations, upscale gatherings, or as a refreshing pre-dinner aperitif.
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