すだち
すだち
noun
sudachi; a small green Japanese citrus
1.
sudachi; a small green Japanese citrus fruit
A small, round, green citrus fruit (Citrus sudachi) native to Tokushima Prefecture. Prized for its tart, aromatic juice, which is squeezed over grilled fish, soba, and other dishes as a condiment.
焼き魚にすだちを搾る。
To squeeze sudachi over grilled fish.
すだちの香りがさわやかだ。
The fragrance of sudachi is refreshing.
徳島県はすだちの生産量が日本一で、地元では様々な料理に使われる。
Tokushima Prefecture has the highest sudachi production in Japan, and locally it is used in a variety of dishes.
Written in kanji as 酢橘, though hiragana or katakana (スダチ) is more common. A signature citrus of 徳島県 (Tokushima Prefecture), where over 90% of Japan's sudachi is produced. It is harvested while still green and unripe, prized for its sharp acidity and distinctive aroma.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- すだちを搾る: to squeeze sudachi
- すだちを添える: to serve with sudachi
- すだちの果汁: sudachi juice
- すだち酢: sudachi vinegar
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 柚子: yuzu — a larger, more aromatic citrus used for its zest and juice
- かぼす: kabosu — a similar green citrus from 大分県, slightly larger and milder than sudachi
- ライム: lime — a Western citrus with a similar sour flavor profile
CULTURAL NOTE:
Sudachi, 柚子, and かぼす are sometimes called 香酸かんきつ (aromatic sour citrus) as a group. They are not eaten on their own but used as flavor accents.