From the vibrant street markets of Tokyo to your local grocery store, Sumo oranges are quickly becoming a household name. These gargantuan citrus fruits have made their way into kitchens around the globe with their sweet yet tangy flavor and extraordinary size.
But what makes these oranges so special? Let's take a closer look at this incredible fruit; here's everything you need to know.
⬇️ Table of Contents
The first thing that sets sumo citrus® apart is its sheer size. Growing up to three times larger than traditional navel or Valencia oranges, they can weigh as much as several pounds each.
Some varieties may even reach 10 inches in diameter - making them an eye-catching sight on any table or kitchen countertop.
But it's not just the size that has people raving about them; it's also their taste. With a mild sweetness and slight tartness, these succulent fruits make for irresistible snacking and delicious recipes.
Plus, unlike other orange varieties, Sumo oranges are seedless, which means more juicy goodness for you to enjoy without interruption.
What Are Sumo Oranges
sumo citrus®, also called Sumo Citrus, are a type of citrus fruit. They're easy to peel and have an incredibly sweet flavor.
Sumo citrus fruit, first cultivated in the 1970s, can be found in many places around the world. They have a sweet yet tart taste and provide abundant health benefits (WebMD).
- Sumo Citrus taste like a combination of mandarin orange and grapefruit flavors, making it a delicious snack.
- Sumo citrus season, available from January to April each year, is best enjoyed during their peak season.
- First cultivated in the San Joaquin Valley over 20 years ago, this delicate fruit requires a gentle squeeze before eating or juicing.
🍊 What Does Sumo Citrus Taste Like?
Sumo citrus has recently become a beloved fruit due to its one-of-a kind look and taste. It's known for being sweet and succulent, with undertones of mandarin orange.
What sets it apart from other types of citrus is the unique texture you won't find elsewhere! Whether eaten independently or used as an ingredient in your favorite recipes, sumo citrus will consistently deliver flavor beyond expectations.
With a simple peel, sumo citrus reveals its delectable and succulent interior. It may appear to be orange, but it is actually of the mandarin variety. Its sweetness, along with its easy-to-peel texture, makes it an ideal snack for any occasion!
Furthermore, its larger size compared to other types of oranges makes it great for sharing with friends or family. Now would be perfect if you have yet to taste this incredible citrus fruit.
🔎 History
Sumo citrus® is a hybrid of two different citrus fruits: a Kiyomi – which is itself a cross between a tangor, satsuma, and Trovita orange – and a Ponkan (mandarin and pomelo).
Sumo Citrus first made its way to the United States from Japan in 1998, but it wasn't until 2011 that California farmers were able to meet the strict standards necessary for its commercial sale.
It's believed to be a hybrid of navel oranges, which makes up about 75% of its genetic makeup. The remaining 25% comes from unknown other varieties of oranges and mandarins. To create the entire sumo orange, it takes four years for the Sumo Citrus Tree to produce them from bud to ripe fruit.
This new type of fruit has become increasingly popular due to its unique shape, size, and sweet taste. Compared to regular oranges, they’re much bigger in size with thicker skin than traditional navels.
This has made them popular among sumo wrestlers because they can easily fit one into their hand or pocket before matches. Furthermore, this popularity led to supermarkets across Japan offering special orders for customers wanting fresh sumo oranges straight from farms in California.
📝 Characteristics
These oversized mandarins are succulent juiciness, or "tanginess with a distinctively tart flavor. The thick peels of Sumo oranges peel away easily, making them great for snacking on the go. Additionally, also contains 10% of the Daily Value for potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance within our bodies.
Sumo Oranges have become increasingly popular due to their unique characteristics like bumpy skin, tart flavor, ease of peeling, a hint of acidity, and high nutritional value. They make for a delicious snack you'll want to try if you haven't already.
Sumo citrus, also known as dekopon or Shiraishi in Japan, is a type of sweet orange that has been gaining popularity around the world. It is characterized by its top knot and large size; one sumo citrus can weigh up to 3 pounds. This specialty fruit can be found at most Whole Foods stores when it's in season.
This hybrid citrus fruit looks like an oversized navel orange but tastes just like any other juicy delicious citrus you'd expect--sweet yet tart enough at the same time.
With its thick peel making it easier to ship anywhere around the world without getting damaged too quickly, this means anyone can enjoy some good old-fashioned Californian-grown sumo oranges no matter where they live.
🌱 Cultivation & Harvesting
Due to their unique shape and flavor, they are an increasingly popular variety of mandarin oranges. Sumo oranges' cultivation and harvesting process is slightly different than that of other as they require more attention.
The trees used for Sumo orange production tend to be smaller than those used for other citrus varieties, with a height range between 6-10 feet tall. These trees also have a wider spread than most other citrus varieties, which creates an ideal microclimate for the fruit during the growing season.
The soil in which these trees are planted must also contain adequate levels of organic matter, and drainage systems must be in place to ensure proper irrigation during dry spells. Additionally, the trees need plenty of sunlight throughout the day in order to produce high-quality fruit.
🥗 Nutritional Value
Sumo oranges are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin C at a whopping 163 percent of the daily value, that help support immunity and guard against illness. Loaded with dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin A. They offer even more than daily nutritional requirements.
Furthermore, sumo citrus nutrition contains antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which assist in reducing inflammation for better overall health.
Sumo oranges make a delicious and nutritious snack, packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper, manganese selenium, and folate.
They also contain phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and help the body fight infection. (Disclaimer: the information provided is not medical advice and should not replace professional medical consultation).
Daily Nutrient Values In One Medium-Sized Sumo Orange
One medium-sized Sumo orange (approx. 131g) has the following:
• Calories: 62 kcal
• Total Fat: 0.2g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Potassium: 181mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15.4g
• Dietary Fiber: 3.1g
• Sugars: 12.2g
• Protein: 1.3g
• Vitamin A: 5% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 88% of the DV
• Calcium: 4% of the DV
Where To Buy Sumo Oranges
Sumo oranges are widely available for purchase worldwide, with some leading producers in Japan, Spain, South Africa, and California. In Japan, Sumos can be found nationwide in supermarkets and specialty citrus stores.
- In Spain, they’re available online from certain vendors and through local grocers.
- In South Africa, you can find them in select markets.
- In California—the only state that grows the fruit commercially—they’re widely available at farmers' markets and other regional locations.
With the increasing demand for these unique fruits, other companies have begun producing Sumo oranges abroad: Australia's Favorite Citrus announced plans to grow them in 2018, and Japan-based Takii Group began producing them in 2019. In addition, some stores that specialize in imported fruits from Asia may carry Sumo oranges from time to time.
You can also buy Sumos online from a variety of vendors around the world.
How To Cook With Sumo Oranges
They can be used in many different dishes, from savory to sweet. Here's how to get the most out of them when cooking:
- Start by picking ripe sumo oranges. Look for ones that have an even orange color and are slightly soft to the touch. Try not to pick sumo citrus with green patches or spots, which may indicate unripe fruit.
- Slice them into wedges or small cubes before using them in recipes. The rind is edible, so you don't need to peel it off before slicing!
- Use sumos in salads, desserts, sauces, or other dishes. They can be added to savory dishes like stir-fries or eaten as a snack. For sweets, they pair nicely with yogurt and granola or in smoothies.
- To create a flavorful syrup from sumo oranges, simmer the wedges in sugar and water for around 30 minutes until the mixture turns into a thick liquid. Serve over cakes or ice cream for an extra special treat.
- Finally, use sumos to make marmalade! Boil the wedges in sugar and lemon juice until the fruit breaks down into a spreadable texture. This makes an excellent topping for toast or pancakes.
How To Tell If A Sumo Orange Is Ripe
Sumo oranges are a deliciously sweet citrus fruit that is grown on trees. They have become increasingly popular in recent years because of their unique shape and super-sweet flavor. Knowing how to tell when they’re ripe will help you get the most out of this delicate fruit.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Larger than regular oranges, typically about double the size. Most range from 2 ½ to 3 inches in diameter. |
| Color & Texture | When ripe, they should be bright orange with smooth skin. The texture should feel slightly bumpy but firm, not mushy or overly soft. It may also give slightly under gentle pressure from your fingertips. |
| Smell & Taste | Ripeness can often be determined by smell alone; when ripe, it will emit a strong citrus aroma indicative of its flavor—incredibly sweet and zesty. If desired, give it a taste test; however, avoid squeezing, as this can damage the delicate flesh. |
The peak season for sumo oranges is usually mid-winter through early spring, depending on where you live; during this time, look for specimens with vibrant color and check them carefully for any signs of bruising or discoloration before purchasing.
Keep an eye out for unripe ones, which are lighter in color and firmer to the touch than fully mature ones. Handle them carefully while shopping, ensuring no unnecessary pressure is placed upon them to not cause premature spoilage or damage to the inner flesh.
For maximum freshness and sweetness at home, store them uncut at room temperature until ready to eat or use in recipes.
Warning About Eating Sumo Oranges
Those with citrus allergies should exercise caution when consuming Sumo oranges as they contain higher levels of citric acid than other types of oranges.
Additionally, individuals taking certain medications or supplements may experience interactions due to Sumo oranges' high vitamin C content. As a result, those taking such medications should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming the fruit.
🌄 Seasonality of Sumo Oranges
Sumo oranges are unique in that their seasonality differs from regular oranges. Unlike most orange varieties, sumo citrus are in season year-round, with peak harvest times during winter.
Here's a breakdown of when you can expect to find them:
- December and January - Peak harvesting time when they are at their sweetest and juiciest
- February through April - Demand remains high as stores carry over summering fruit
- May through November - Lower demand results in more availability of lesser-quality fruit
Regarding flavor, it is best to purchase during peak harvest months like December or January; this will ensure the highest quality and sweetness.
or those looking for a cheaper option, purchasing outside of peak harvest months may result in lower prices and a lower flavor profile due to less ripe fruit. Additionally, many retailers offer discounts on bulk orders purchased off-season.
Overall, while Sumo oranges have a longer seasonal window than other citrus fruits, it still pays attention to when they're harvested. Hence, you get the best tasting experience possible.
➡️ Alternatives To Sumo Oranges
When looking for a substitute for Sumo oranges, there are several options. One of the closest alternatives is a tangerine or mandarin orange. They look similar and have some similarities in taste as well. Tangerines and mandarins tend to be smaller than sumos but are also sweeter and easier to peel.
Another option is clementines, slightly sour and tart compared to their larger cousins. Clementines can often be found in stores year-round, making them an easy alternative when you don't want to wait until winter for your favorite citrus fruit.
Finally, Blood Oranges make excellent substitutes due to their unique flavor profile and color. These oranges have a deep red flesh that provides a pleasant contrast against the sweet juice inside. Blood oranges may not always be available depending on where you live, so snatch it up if you're lucky enough to find one.
🗄️ Storage
The sumo citrus is a delectable orange acclaimed for its sweet and juicy flavor. To savor the fruit's goodness for an extended period of time, it must be correctly stored. Start by making sure your sumo citrus is dry before placing it in an area with good airflow, such as a produce basket or paper bag that isn't closed tight. When kept this way, you can enjoy sumo citrus for up to seven days.
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