Yuzu: Chinese Lemon
(Taito ward, Tokyo on Nov.15)
Yuzu-Chinese lemons imported into Japan in the 8th century- have been used with its juce and peel to season or add fragrance in cooking. They are processed into jam, cakes, juice and fruit wine these days. Long time ago they were planted in the garden for only family use, but now most of them are produced in the district called Shikoku in Western Japan. From the viewpoint of nutrition, this Chinese lemon-Yuzu-is rich in vitamin C, citric acid, calcium and so on. In Japan there's a custom to get in a bath with many Chinese lemons floated on the winter solstice when they are in season. This custom became popular in the Edo period. (The early 17th century to the mid 19th century) They say you'll be able to live in good shape if you take a Yuzu bath on the winter solstice and it actually has a variety of effects such as making you warm, stimulating blood circulation, good complexion or recovery from fatigue. Since Yuzu bath smells very nice to make you feel good, it is recommendable as an enjoyable way of bathing even except on the winter solstice.
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