Sumo mandarins are hard to miss in the fruit aisle, with their distinct knotty tops and a price tag that can soar up to $4 per pound. But these unique fruits are much more than just a pretty face and hefty price.
Known for their rich, sweet flavor and easy-to-peel skin, Sumo mandarins have become a favorite among food lovers and celebrities alike. Let’s dive into why these fruits are in such high demand, how they came to be, and where you can find them.
What is Sumo Citrus?
Sumo Citrus is the trademark name for Shiranui oranges in the U.S. These special mandarins are a hybrid of three citrus varieties: mandarin oranges, satsumas, and navel oranges. While in Japan, they are known as dekopon, which means “uneven,” referring to their bulbous tops that resemble a sumo wrestler’s hairstyle.
Larger than most oranges but slightly smaller than grapefruits, Sumo mandarins have wrinkled, easy-to-peel skin. Their flavor is incredibly sweet, with a high sugar content that makes them much sweeter than other citrus fruits. With a sweetness score of 18 Brix compared to the 12 Brix of satsumas, Sumo mandarins are a treat that citrus lovers crave.
A Brief History of Sumo Citrus
The creation of Sumo Citrus goes back to the 1970s when Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture set out to develop the perfect citrus fruit. The goal was to produce a seedless, less acidic, and easy-to-peel fruit that would capture the attention of consumers. By the 1990s, the fruit was becoming increasingly popular in Japan.
However, the first Sumo Citrus seedlings did not arrive in the United States until 1998. It wasn’t until 2011 that these fruits began appearing on supermarket shelves in the U.S., thanks to AC Foods, which made a significant investment in the marketing of Sumo Citrus.
Influencers like Eva Chen, Instagram’s director of fashion partnerships, have also helped boost the popularity of this citrus fruit, sharing their love for the sweet fruit with their followers.
When Is Sumo Citrus Season?
Sumo mandarins are only available from January to April, making them a seasonal treat worth waiting for. They are one of the most challenging citrus fruits to grow, which is why their growing season is so short. In the U.S., Sumo Citrus is grown primarily in California’s San Joaquín Valley, which is located in the Central Valley. There are also some crops grown in Australia to meet the high demand.
What Makes Sumo Citrus So Special?
Sumo mandarins stand out from other citrus fruits in several ways. First, they are much sweeter and juicier than mandarins or clementines, with far less tartness. Another big selling point is that Sumo mandarins are incredibly easy to peel and have almost no seeds.
There are several reasons behind the high price tag of Sumo mandarins. They need year-round care, and the trees take around four years to produce fruit. The fruit itself is delicate and prone to bruising, so it is hand-picked with care. Furthermore, to ensure they stay fresh and delicious during transport, Sumo mandarins are refrigerated throughout the shipping process.
Because of their price, it’s best to enjoy Sumo mandarins fresh. They are perfect for eating out of hand, using as a garnish, or incorporating into salads. Their sweet flavor also works well as a counterbalance to more bitter fruits like grapefruit.
Where Can You Buy Sumo Citrus?
Finding Sumo mandarins might take a bit of effort, but they are widely available in major grocery stores, especially during their peak season. Look for the telltale bulbous top and bright purple sticker that marks the fruit as Sumo Citrus.
For those really craving this special fruit, Sumo Citrus has also been making its way into more specialty stores, so it’s always worth checking your local grocery store or farmer’s market during the season.
How to Store Sumo Citrus
To keep Sumo mandarins fresh and at their peak flavor, it’s important to store them properly. Keep them at cool temperatures with good air circulation. While they’ll last a few days at room temperature, they can stay fresh for up to a month if stored in the refrigerator.
Why You Should Try Sumo Citrus
If you’ve never tasted Sumo mandarins before, they’re definitely worth seeking out. The combination of sweetness, juiciness, and ease of peeling makes them a stand-out fruit. Plus, their short growing season and careful harvesting process make them a special treat to enjoy while they’re available.
With their celebrity endorsements and growing popularity among chefs and food lovers, Sumo Citrus has secured its place as the star of the citrus season. Whether you’re a fan of citrus or just someone who loves trying new foods, Sumo mandarins are a must-try this season.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
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