Sumo oranges are swiftly establishing themselves as a household name, from the energetic street markets of Tokyo to your neighbourhood grocery shop. These enormous citrus fruits, with their sweet-tangy flavour and remarkable size, have found their way into kitchens all around the world.
But what distinguishes these oranges from others? Here is everything you need to know about this amazing fruit, so let’s take a closer look.
WHAT TASTE DOES SUMO CITRUS HAVE?
Due to its unique appearance and flavour, sumo citrus has recently gained popularity. It is renowned for having undertones of mandarin orange and for being sweet and succulent.
The distinctive texture that you won’t find anywhere else is what makes it stand out from other citrus varieties! Sumo citrus will dependably produce flavour that exceeds expectations, whether it is consumed on its own or as a component in your favourite dishes.
Sumo oranges has a straightforward peel that shows its luscious and delicious interior. Although it could seem orange, it is actually a mandarin. It’s the perfect snack for any occasion thanks to its sweetness and easy-to-peel texture!
Additionally, because of its bigger size compared to other orange varieties, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. If you haven’t had this amazing citrus fruit yet, this would be the ideal time.
HISTORY
Sumo Citrus first arrived in the United States from Japan in 1998, but California producers weren’t able to achieve the exacting requirements needed for its commercial sale until 2011.
Given that navel oranges account for roughly 75% of its genetic makeup, it is thought to be a hybrid. Unknown additional orange and mandarin varietals make up the remaining 25%. The Sumo Citrus Tree needs four years to produce one whole sumo orange, from blossom to ripe fruit.
The distinctive size, shape, and sweet flavour of this novel kind of fruit have helped to make it more and more well-liked. They are significantly larger and have thicker skin than conventional navels when compared to regular oranges.
Since sumo wrestlers can easily fit one in their palm or pocket before matches, this has made them famous among them. Additionally, as a result of its popularity, retailers all around Japan now provide special orders to consumers who want fresh sumo oranges shipped directly from Californian fields.
CHARACTERISTICS
These giant mandarins have a particular sour flavour and are juicy, tangy, and luscious. Sumo oranges are excellent for on-the-go snacks since their thick peels are easy to pull away. includes 10% of the daily need for potassium, which aids in maintaining the proper fluid balance in our bodies.
Due to their distinctive qualities, including rough skin, tart flavour, ease of peeling, a tinge of acidity, and high nutritional content, sumo oranges are growing in popularity. If you haven’t already, you should give them a try because they make for a delectable snack.
Sumo citrus is a variety of sweet orange that has been gaining popularity all over the world. It is also known as dekopon or Shiraishi in Japan. One sumo citrus can weigh up to 3 pounds, and it is distinguished by its huge size and top knot. When it is in season, the majority of Whole Foods outlets carry this speciality fruit.
Although this hybrid citrus fruit has the appearance of a gigantic navel orange, it tastes exactly like any other juicy wonderful citrus you’d expect—sweet but also acidic enough.
No matter where they live, anyone can enjoy some good ol’ fashioned sumo oranges grown in California thanks to its thick peel, which makes it easier to travel anywhere in the world without becoming damaged too quickly.
CULTURING AND HARVESTING
They are a mandarin orange cultivar that is becoming more and more well-liked because of its distinctive flavour and appearance. Sumo oranges demand more care during the cultivation and harvesting process than other orange varieties do.
With a height range between 6 and 10 feet tall, Sumo orange trees are typically smaller than those utilised for other citrus species. Additionally, compared to most other citrus kinds, these trees have a broader spread, which offers an excellent microclimate for the fruit during the growth season.
Furthermore, sufficient levels of organic matter must be present in the soil where these trees are planted, and drainage systems must be in place to ensure effective irrigation during dry times. The trees also require a lot of sunlight all day long.
A MEDIUM-SIZED SUMO ORANGE’S DAILY NUTRIENT VALUES
The following is included in one medium-sized Sumo orange (around 131g):
- 62 kcal of calories
- 2g total fat
- 1 milligrammes of sodium
- 181 milligrammes of potassium
- 4g of total carbohydrates
- 1g of dietary fibre
- 2g of sugar
- Protein: 1.3 grammes
- 5% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A
- 88% of the DV for vitamin C
- 4% of the DV for calcium
- 0% of the DV for iron
WHERE CAN I GET SUMOS?
Sumo oranges can be bought all over the world, with some of the top growers located in Japan, Spain, South Africa, and California. Sumos can be found at supermarkets and specialty citrus shops all around Japan.
- Online retailers and neighbourhood grocers both sell them in Spain.
- You may find them in a few markets in South Africa.
- They are commonly accessible at farmers’ markets and other local sites in California, the only state that grows the fruit commercially.
Other businesses have started cultivating Sumo oranges abroad due to the rising demand for these distinctive fruits: Australia’s Favourite Citrus revealed plans to do so in 2018, while Japan’s Takii Group started cultivating them in 2019. Additionally, Sumo oranges may occasionally be seen in shops that specialise in Asian imports of fruits.
Sumos are also available for purchase online from a number of sellers all over the world.
SUMO ORANGES: HOW TO COOK WITH THEM
They can be included into both savoury and sweet meals. Here’s how to maximise their use when cooking with them:
- Select ripe sumo oranges first. Look for ones that are uniformly orange in colour and have a light texture. Avoid selecting any citrus that has green spots or patches since these could be signs of underripe fruit.
- Before using them in recipes, cut them into wedges or small cubes. You can slice the rind without first peeling it off because it is edible.
- Include sumos in sauces, salads, desserts, and other recipes. They can be consumed as a snack or added to savoury recipes like stir-fries.
- Simmer the wedges of the oranges in sugar and water for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens into a syrup, to make a delicious syrup. For an additional special treat, drizzle over cakes or ice cream.
- Finally, create marmalade with sumos! Boil the wedges in a mixture of sugar and lemon juice until the fruit becomes spreadable in consistency. This is a great addition to pancakes or toast.
DETERMINING WHEN A SUMO ORANGE IS RIPE
A delightfully sweet citrus fruit, sumo oranges are cultivated on trees. They have grown in popularity over the past several years as a result of their distinctive shape and exceptionally sweet flavour. Gaining the best flavour from this delicate fruit will depend on your ability to determine when it is ripe.
SUMO ORANGE SEASONALITY
The seasonality of sumo oranges is distinctive from that of ordinary oranges. Sumo citrus are in season all year long, unlike other orange kinds, with the best seasons for harvesting being in the winter.
Here is a summary of when to look for them:
- December and January are the best months to harvest them since they are the tastiest and juiciest.
- From February to April, merchants continue to offer summer produce, which keeps demand strong.
- From May through November, there is less demand, which increases the supply of lower-quality fruit.
When it comes to flavour, it is better to buy in the months right before the harvest, such as December or January; this will guarantee the best sweetness and quality.
Because there are less ripe fruits available when purchasing outside of the peak harvest season, prices could be lower and the flavour profile could be poorer. For those who are on a tight budget, here is an alternative. Additionally, many retailers offer special prices for large orders placed during the off-season.
Sumo oranges have a wider seasonal window than other citrus fruits, but it is still important to consider when they are picked. You consequently have the greatest tasting experience imaginable.
SUMO ORANGES ALTERNATIVES
There are a number of alternatives available when seeking for a Sumo orange replacement. An orange or tangerine is one of the closest substitutes. They share certain similarities in taste as well as how they appear. Mandarins and tangerines are often smaller than sumos but sweeter and simpler to peel.
Clementines are another choice; they are less sweet and tart than their larger cousins. When you don’t want to wait until winter for your favourite citrus fruit, clementines are a convenient year-round option that are frequently available in stores.
Last but not least, blood oranges are a great alternative because of their distinct flavour and colour. The bright red skin of these oranges creates a pleasing contrast with the sweet nectar inside. Depending on where you live, blood oranges might not always be available, so seize the opportunity if you come across one.
STORAGE
A delicious orange known for its sweet and juicy flavour is the sumo citrus. The fruit must be properly preserved if you want to enjoy its goodness for a long time. To begin with, make sure your sumo citrus is dry before putting it somewhere where there is good airflow, like a fruit basket or a paper bag that isn’t tightly closed. Sumo citrus can be consumed after being stored in this manner for up to seven days.
