Amanatsu - Sweet Summer Fruit
Origin and Name
Amanatsu means 'sweet summer' in Japanese. The name refers to a yellow citrus fruit, which started from a mutation of the natsu mikan (summer mandarin oranges, in Japanese). This mutation was discovered in Tsukumi, Oita Prefecture, Japan in 1935. Amanatsu are also called kawano natsu daidai ('leather summer orange').
Description
Amanatsu are larger than a common naval orange, about the size of a grapefruit. It has a rough peel that comes off easily, similar to that of sumo mandarins. The fruit is good to eat fresh, and the juice and rind can be used in cooking.
Growing Region
Amanatsu are grown on a commercial scale in Japan; Yamaguchi, Kumamoto and Ehime prefectures in particular. Yamaguchi takes such pride in their citrus that they replaced their white road crash barriers with orange ones. The city of Hagi, in Yamaguchi, is known for their Amanatsu especially, as discussed in this google arts and culture article.
Where to Buy
Outside of Japan, it is difficult to get this variety of orange fresh, but many shelf-stable products using the fruit are available.
- and even Amanatsu Jelly Lotion! (Please don't eat this.)
There is also a video game called Amanatsu, released in 2022. There's a thorough review of it here, if you're interested.
Further Reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanatsu
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