1.
yuzu
A fragrant East Asian citrus fruit, smaller than a grapefruit, with a tart flavor. Widely used in Japanese cooking for its aromatic rind and juice, especially in winter dishes, sauces, and baths.
柚子の香りがいい。
The yuzu smells wonderful.
鍋に柚子の皮を入れた。
I put some yuzu peel in the hot pot.
冬至には柚子湯に入る習慣がある。
There is a custom of taking a yuzu bath on the winter solstice.
CULTURE:
柚子 is an iconic Japanese citrus prized more for its fragrance than its juice. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine, used as a garnish, flavoring, and aromatic.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 柚子こしょう: yuzu pepper paste (a condiment from Kyushu)
- 柚子湯: yuzu bath (taken on the winter solstice for good health)
- 柚子酢: yuzu vinegar
The word is often written in hiragana (ゆず) or katakana (ユズ) in casual contexts, but the kanji 柚子 appears in formal writing and on product labels.