NOURISHING ESSENTIALS (October 2019) - Yuzu

Honda Shoten Yuzu Soba Noodles
Yuzu Soba Noodles (with Tsuyu Sauce)

柚子そば崎
(HONDA SHOTEN)

Enjoy these unique yuzu soba noodles dipped in tsuyu sauce!

Honda Shoten uses 100 years of traditional raw soba making methods to create their additive-free, homemade soba made from freshly ground domestic buckwheat flour. The buckwheat flour gives Japanese soba noodles their characteristic earthy color, chewy texture and delightfully nutty taste. Thanks to the buckwheat, soba noodles are also higher in protein and fiber compared to many other noodles. Honda Shoten's noodles are also made within an hour of milling in order to preserve its flavor. 

These specially selected soba noodles also include 100% Japanese yuzu for a unique twist on the classic soba noodle while the tsuyu sauce balances umami-rich soy sauce with sweet mirin - a perfect companion to the tart, fragrant flavor of yuzu in the noodles. Perfect to eat as a snack or light meal!

Learn more about Honda Shoten's 100 years of traditional raw soba making methods in our Producer Spotlight.

Suggested use: Boil the noodles for 3 mins then drain. Can be served hot by adding 180ml of hot water to the soup included, or served cold by adding 50ml of cold water to the soup included (you can also add ice to make it even colder).
Ingredients: Noodles: Wheat flour, buckwheat flour, yuzu (from Japan), salt, pumpkin powder (from Japan), Tsuyu (sauce): soy sauce (pure brew), mirin, sugar, bonito extract, salt, potato shavings, frigate mackerel shavings, kelp (some ingredients include wheat and soybeans)

Nutritional information: N/A

Yuzurikko Yuzu Miso
Yuzu Miso
ゆず味噌

(YUZURIKKO)

There are fewer heavenly combinations than yuzu and miso! Yuzurikko combines the tart, sweet flavor of yuzu with salty, savory, umami-rich miso in their award winning yuzu miso (having received three food prizes by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries).

Yuzurikko's yuzu miso has been one of our most popular products and once you taste it you'll understand why. It's extremely versatile and can be used on rice, tofu and fish, as a vegetable dip, in sauces or dressings or in marinades.  

And the story behind Yuzurikko will make you love it even more.

Yuzurikko was founded by Sumie Misawa, a 66-year-old woman living in Tokushima prefecture, a region famous for its yuzu. She noticed that many pesticide-free yuzu were being thrown away or left unused, as many of the yuzu trees grow on steep mountain slopes and the aging yuzu farmers were no longer able to harvest them. She didn't want to see these precious fruits go to waste so she decided to help with the harvesting and to create her own yuzu products.

Learn more about Sumie and Yuzurikko in our Producer Spotlight

Suggested use: Extremely versatile, you can use this on rice, tofu and fish, as a vegetable dip, in sauces or dressings or in marinades. Please note this is not to be used for miso soup.
Ingredients: Rice miso (rice (domestic), soy (non-GMO), salt (from Tokushima)), beet sugar (from Hokkaido), yuzu (from Tokushima)
Nutritional information: Per: 100g, Calories: 244kcal, Total Fat: 1.5g, Sodium: 4.6g, Total Carbohydrate: 53.6g, Protein: 4.1g

Yuzu Kosho
柚子胡椒

(OITA CHITOSEMURA NOUSANKAKOU)

A popular condiment in Japan, yuzu kosho is a spicy paste made from fresh chilies, which are then fermented with salt and yuzu zest. The mixture of chiles, citrus, and salt combine together to make a truly sublime, explosive flavor. Just a dollop of this paste with its spicy, salty flavor will enliven any dish! Try on fish, steak, noodles, and soups.

Oita Chitosemura Nousankakou is located in Bungo Ono City, in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, hallway between the flatlands and mountains. The climate is temperate, between 15-16°C throughout the seasons, and is perfect for growing fresh fruits and vegetables, including succulent, juicy citrus fruits, which have been cultivated in the area since ancient times.

Given their unique location, Oita Chitosemura Nousankakou is able to utilize the beautiful surrounding nature to produce a variety of Japanese citrus fruits including yuzu, kabosu (another unique Japanese citrus fruit which has been cultivated in the Oita Prefecture for 300 years) and daidai. They even change how the citrus fruits are squeezed based on their individual characteristics! 

As there are only three ingredients in yuzu kosho (yuzu zest, chili peppers and salt), the quality of each ingredient truly matters. The original zest of the yuzu fruit is used to maintain its rich flavor and fragrance, and is combined with the pure hot spice of the chili peppers and domestic salt.

Suggested use: Use to add aromatic acidicity (and mild heat) to rice dishes, noodles, soups, fish, vegetable dishes, and chicken. Whip up a quick dressing using yuzu kosho, soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar to toss with roasted vegetables.
Ingredients: Yuzu zest, chili pepper, salt
Nutritional information: 
Per: 100g, Calories: 58kcal, Total Fat: 0.7g, Sodium: 17.2g, Total Carbohydrate: 11.3g, Protein: 1.5g

 JA Anan Yuzu Juice
100% Yuzu Juice
ゆず果汁

(JA ANAN)

Finding yuzu fruit outside Japan can be rare and challenging, but thanks to this 100% authentic, fresh Japanese yuzu juice from Tokushima, you can enjoy the subtle, almost grapefruit-like flavor of yuzu anywhere. 

Tokushima is famous for its prized yuzu and the city of Anan is where yuzu cultivation thrives. In the summer, it is cool and rainy and the temperature difference between day and night is unique to this mountainous area, making it perfect for producing flavorful and juicy yuzu.

JA Anan is part of the Japan Agricultural Co-operatives (JA or Nōkyō (農協)). It was originally founded by the Japanese government as a regulating body of its agricultural industry, but now takes on a more grassroots farmers’ organizational feel. Their aim is to promote better farming activities in Japan and to provide support to local farmers and producers. There are almost 700 regional members that participate in everything from production, packaging, transportation and marketing of locally farmed goods.

Suggested use: Use whenever the dish calls for a splash of citrus. Just a few drops will transform your vinaigrettes and soy sauce-based dressings. Try mixing with mayonnaise to make a dip for seafood. The complex and delicate flavor of yuzu will bring a unique twist to ceviches, fish dishes, and desserts. Also makes a great addition to cocktails!
Ingredients: 100% yuzu juice
Nutritional information: Per: 100g, Calories: 21kcal, Total Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 0.0g, Total Carbohydrate: 7.0g, Protein: 0.5g

Yuzu Peel Tea
柚茶
(YUZURIKKO)

Add some zest to your day!

Sumie and her team at Yuzurikko, the producers behind the award winning yuzu miso featured in this Care Package, make sure no part of their precious pesticide-free yuzu goes to waste. 

They dry and roast the floral yet slightly acidic yuzu peel to create this refreshing, additive-free, non-caffeinated tea. It can be enjoyed either hot or iced and served with a touch of honey if desired.

Learn more about Sumie and Yuzurikko in our Producer Spotlight

Suggested use: [Hot] Put 1 tea bag in a teapot, pour about 500ml of hot water, shake it a little, and when it becomes the desired strength, take out the tea bag. [Iced] Put 1 tea bag into a bottle, pour about 500ml of cold water, and take out the tea bag when you have your desired concentration. Note: If soaked for too long, the acidity and bitterness becomes stronger. You can also add sugar or honey to sweeten.
Ingredients: Yuzu peel
Nutritional information: Per: 2g, Calories: 6.84kcal, Total Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 0.0003g, Total Carbohydrate: 1.55g, Protein: 0.12g

Taiyo Co Ltd Yuzu Vegan soft candy

Yuzu Kanten Candy (Vegan)
ゆず寒天ゼリー
(TAIYO CO LTD)

Made from 100% natural yuzu, this yuzu kanten candy is a delicious sweet treat!

Kanten is a jelly-like substance made from seaweed. It's less sticky than jello and since it's made from seaweed, it's completely vegan-friendly and gluten-free. By itself, kanten has no flavor, so it is the perfect base for the delicate citrus taste of fresh yuzu. Kanten is also packed with fiber - more than 5 times the fiber of lettuce.

Tuck one in your pocket for an on-the-go snack, or enjoy after chilling in the refrigerator.

Suggested use: Enjoy as is. Also delicious after chilling in the refrigerator.
Ingredients: Corn syrup, sugar, yuzu citrus juice, vegetable fiber, agar, potato starch, citric acid, and soy lecithin

Nutritional information: Per: 3 pieces, Calories: 130kcal, Total Fat: 0g, Sodium: 0g, Total Carbohydrate: 35g, Protein: 0g