Yuzu (Citrus junos) is a citrus fruit that resembles a wrinkled lemon. It originates from East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. Yuzu differs from other citrus fruits because of its flavor. It has a unique blend of lemon, tangerine, and grapefruit.
Known for its tart and aromatic flavor, yuzu is often used in Japanese dishes such as ponzu sauce and tea. Due to its intense tartness, yuzu is rarely eaten raw, but instead serves as a flavoring in everything from drinks to sauces and desserts.
For centuries, yuzu has been used as a natural ingredient in traditional beauty care and medicine in Japan. It is rich in nutrients that make it a healing element for both the body and the skin.
Yuzu is still not very well known in the West, but it is slowly gaining ground in both the cooking and beauty worlds. Let's dive into five benefits that yuzu can give you – both for your health and your beauty.
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Yuzu is a vitamin bomb
Yuzu is incredibly rich in vitamin C. In fact, it contains up to three times as much vitamin C as a lemon. This makes yuzu an excellent ingredient for boosting your immune system. Vitamin C protects the body from infections, improves skin health, and promotes wound healing. It also fights free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage and accelerate the aging process. -
Yuzu improves digestion
In addition to vitamin C, yuzu contains dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion. Dietary fiber is important for keeping the stomach in balance and preventing digestive problems like constipation. -
Yuzu gives glowing skin
Yuzu is used in many skin care products due to its high vitamin C content, which stimulates the production of collagenThis protein helps keep skin firm and youthful, reduces fine lines and improves skin elasticity, giving a natural glow. -
Calming effect on the mind and body
Yuzu has a calming effect when used in aromatherapy. The fresh, citrusy scent reduces stress and promotes relaxation. In Japan, yuzu is traditionally used in winter baths, where the fruit floats in warm water to soothe both body and mind. -
Yuzu in cooking
In cooking, you can use yuzu to make yuzu juice or use the peel in salad dressings, marinades, cocktails or teas to add a refreshing flavor.
Where can I buy yuzu?
It can be difficult to find fresh yuzu in Denmark, but yuzu juice and other products made from yuzu can be purchased in Asian supermarkets and specialty stores. You can also find beauty products with yuzu extract or essential oils based on yuzu. For example, visit www.naturelle.dk for yuzu-based products or to buy yuzu essential oil.
