Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.

ORIGIN DATA:

This cultivar originated on Hirado Island (Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan) in 1910. It was quickly cultivated and established as a typical product of this Japanese island. It is characterized by its indisputable organoleptic quality.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

Vigorous tree, with large leaves of intense green color. Large fruit, slightly depressed at both poles. Smooth and thin rind, bright yellow when ripe. Pulp pigmented with carotenoids, with fine but strong septa and large juice vesicles. Seeds are present.  The flavor is a complex but very pleasant mixture of sugar and acid, with typical traits of bitterness.

USES:

The intercarpellar segments, containing the pulp juice vesicles, can be easily separated and eaten alone, added to green or fruit salads, or seasoned as an individual accompaniment. They are also used to make jellies, jams and sauces. The rind can be peeled and candied.