Yuzu is a natural hybrid of Ichang Lemon (
Citrus ichangensis) and Sour Mandarin (
Citrus reticulata var.
austera) growing wild in Central China and Tibet. The hybrid was believed to be a separate species and described for science as
Citrus junos Siebold ex. Tanaka (1922.)
Due to its
C. ichangensis parentage Yuzu is the most frost-hardy
Citrus hybrid. It was introduced to Japan and Korea during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) and since then it is cultivated most widely in these countries.
Yuzu wood is traditionally used for the Korean double reed wind instrument
taepyeongso played for example in Jongmyo Jeryeak (Royal Ancestral Shrine) music.
Yuzu fruit has a tart flavor closely resembling that of the grapefruit, with overtones of Mandarin orange. It is rarely eaten raw, however, it is used in
Japanese,
Korean and
Chinese cuisine as well as in a wide variety of
cosmetics products.