Satsuma - The Japanese Mandarin
The Satsuma is a citrus fruit originating from the southern regions of Japan. It is also known as Unshū Mikan there. Often, Satsuma is referred to as a mandarin or clementine, but this is incorrect as it is a completely distinct variety. Satsuma trees are much hardier and can withstand much lower temperatures compared to other citrus plants such as oranges, grapefruits, or bitter oranges. The fruit on these trees ripens relatively early and requires less sun than other varieties.
Where exactly does the Satsuma come from?
The exact origin of the Satsuma is challenging to determine with certainty. However, the earliest records of this fruit trace back to Japan, dating back to the 17th century. It shares its name with a province in the Kagoshima Prefecture, located in the southern part of the country. Genetic studies have indicated a relationship with Chinese mandarins (Citrus reticulata). It is possible that the initial plants of this citrus fruit were imported from China and later bred into the delicious Satsuma varieties known today. Originally, there was also uncertainty about whether the breeding of the Satsuma fruit was derived from the orange.
What does a satsuma taste like?
The fruit is sweet and mostly seedless. The peel is thin and easily separates from the flesh. The orange flesh is flavorful and wonderfully juicy. Since this taste is comparable to that of a tangerine or clementine, the fruit is often marketed as Satsuma mandarin. Externally, it is hard to distinguish from a tangerine. The key advantage is the seedless flesh. Occasionally, small, light green seeds may be present in the segments of Satsuma, but this is extremely rare.
Can the satsuma also be grown in our region?
While Satsuma is relatively resilient to low temperatures, it is unfortunately not frost-resistant. Those who wish to cultivate these plants in our latitudes must plant them in a pot like a lemon tree, tangerine, orange, or any other citrus fruit, and protect them from frost during the winter. This can be done with a greenhouse or a large winter garden. Not only are the delicious fruits of Satsuma or clementine a delight, but the delicate, white blossoms also have an irresistible fragrance and are a real visual treat.
Do all Satsuma come from Japan?
No, that has not been the case for a while now. While the fruit is still primarily grown in Japan, it can also be found on plantations in Spain, China, the Mediterranean countries, along the shores of the Black Sea, in South Africa, and in South America. Occasionally, they are offered in stores as mandarins or clementines, which can sometimes cause some confusion. Both mandarins and Satsumas have a relatively thin skin and are easy to peel. Clementines have thicker skin, making them a bit better for storage without drying out.
For which recipe are satsuma best suited?
The best way to enjoy this delicious fruit is by eating it raw. It tastes sweet and juicy, making it an ideal vitamin-rich snack. The main season for selling fresh produce is between October and December. However, this Japanese citrus fruit can also be used in many desserts and other dishes. Here are a few recipes:
Fruit tart with yogurt and satsuma
4 personsNo. of persons
ca. 15 minutes Preparation time
ca. 60 minutesTotal Time
middleLevel of difficulty
DessertDish
approx. 350kcal per pieceCalories
Vegetarian
Eggs
Kitchenware
Delightfully cool and refreshing is a yogurt fruit tart that is super quick and easy to "bake." In this case, only the dry base is baked. For those with little time or who don't want to bake, you can also buy a ready-made sponge base and use it as the foundation for the tart.
Ingredients for the sponge base (for a round cake tin, approximately 28 cm in diameter):
List of ingredients for the cake base:
|
2
eggs
|
|
100 g
sugar
|
|
100 g
flour
|
|
2 tbsp
hot water
|
|
1/2 tsp
baking powder
|
Preparation
List of ingredients for the yogurt mixture:
|
1 kg
natural yogurt
|
|
2 tbsp
sugar
|
|
1 kg
Satsuma
|
|
Gelier-Fix for 1 kg mass
|
Preparation
Japanese recipes
view in the store »
Recipe for satsuma fruit salad
2 personsNo. of persons
ca. 20 minutesTotal Time
easyLevel of difficulty
DessertDish
200Calories
Vegan
Vegetarian
Gluten-free
Lactose-free
Kitchenware
List of ingredients
|
2 pieces
Satsumas
|
|
2 pieces
grapefruit
|
|
2 pieces
apples
|
|
1 piece
banana
|
|
other fruit varieties such as melon, pear, mango,...
|
|
toppings such as nuts, lemon juice, roasted sesame seeds, a pinch of sugar,...
|
Preparation
Chopsticks
view in the store »
Fine dressing with satsuma juice
List of ingredients
|
2 tbsp
honey
|
|
120 ml
satsuma juice (2-3 fruits are enough for this)
|
|
2 tbsp
lemon juice
|
|
3 tbsp
oil
|
|
The grated peel of one or two satsuma
|
Preparation
Newsletter subscribe now
Our newsletter subscribers are the first to be informed!!
News about products, manufacturers & designers
and cultural topics relating Japan
Newsletter
Our newsletter will inform you about
exciting new posts about the
Japanese culture!
Sign up now!
-from-the-yakiyaki-grill-pan.webp)
