They’re not lemons! Welcome to the aromatic world of yuzu

Although often mistaken for lemons or limes based on its look, yuzu are entirely different in flavor, aroma and even the environment in which it grows. Unlike other citrus fruits that typically grow best in warm coastal areas, yuzu thrive in cold, mountainous regions. We are now in the middle of harvest season across Kochi, so you will find local communities working together to pick as many of these knobbly yellow fruits as possible

Lucky for @Akira Tanaka, he has his very own yuzu grove, which he picked and turned into a delectable jam as well as plopped in the bath! Yep! In Japan, it is in fact a long tradition for people to soak in yuzu-filled baths because the oils from the fruit contain nomilin, which is said to have many health benefits like relaxing your body and promoting circulation. That’s why you will also find all types of yuzu-related beauty products like face masks, body lotion, and more. The versatility of yuzu is certainly one of the many reasons for its popularity

However, if you’re in Kochi–the largest producer of yuzu in Japan–you must immerse yourself in its flavors! The food photo you see here is kokera-sushi, a local specialty of Toyo Town in eastern Kochi, flavored with yuzu citrus juice and pressed in wooden boxes. Guesthouse Noneya offers the opportunity to make kokera-sushi under the guidance of friendly locals

Guesthouse Noneya
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pHvLAHAMXF23yeCp8
https://toyo-noneya.com/

Learn all about yuzu here: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/taste-of-kochi/yuzu

Thank you @Akira Tanaka for the first and third photos!

Instagram @akira.tanaka.canyoneer: https://www.instagram.com/akira.tanaka.canyoneer/