Citrus sudachi (Sudachi Ichandrin)

Citrus sudachi (Sudachi Citrus) is an hardy citrus tree that is well known in Japan for its edible fruit. The Sudachi Ichandrin flesh has a strong, sour-acidic flavour, similar to lemons but with a slightly spicy, peppery undertone. Citrus sudachi is a cross between mandarin orange and yuzu. The fruit measures about the size of a mandarin and weights 30 to 40 grams.

Even if the Sudachi Yuzu fruit is perfectly edible and not more sour than a lemon, like a lemon it is rarely consumed whole. The fruit is normally squeezed like a lemon or lime to flavour other foods. This Japanese Citrus Tree is used in juices, sauces, desserts, soups or served with fish dishes. A half-slice of this fruit is often served in Japan as garnish of many traditional Japanese dishes which include fish, soba, udon, nabe, and even some alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the easy-to-peel rind has a very strong lemon-lime fragrance, which can be shaved, and used to enhance flavours in candies, and teas. The rind is orange coloured when ripe, and looks similar to a tangerine. However, Sudachi Hybrid Yuzu is usually picked when its skin is still green in the early fall. The unripe green skin flavour is more pronounced. Higher in vitamin C than Lemons, Sudachi Yuzu fruit contains also high amount of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium and other nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Its size is much smaller (6 feet tall) than Yuzu Hardy Cirtus Tree. Sudachi Citrus is self-fertile and can produce fruit without other citrus plants. The foliage is a pleasant dark green colour with a shiny, glossy surface. The attractive flowers are fragrant and creamy white coloured. The flowers appear in May-June followed by fruits in the fall (October-December).

Sudachi Tree grows well in a large container. If planted outdoors in the ground in zone 7 and 8, applying mulch around the base of the Sudachi Yuzu plant and cover the branches with a blanket, can help protect it from cold temperatures. In colder areas, zone 5 and 6, it is recommended to grow the Sudachi Ichandrin in a container and bring it indoors or in a warmer area during the winter months (October to April).