Papeda Ichang

This papeda is the most cold-resistant evergreen citrus there is. It gets its name from the city of Yichang in Hubei Province (China). It differs from other papedas because its flowers and seeds are larger. It is a progenitor of citrus fruits that are very important for Asian cuisine, such as Yuzu or Sudachi.

Slow-growing tree with an open shrubby habit. "Double" leaves typical of the papedas, with a winged petiole the same size as the lamina. Small, spherical or nut-shaped fruits. Finely granular bark, dark green at first and yellowish-green at maturity. Very aromatic. Scarce pulp, greenish-yellow, acidic, and bitter. It has numerous seeds.

Mainly the bark is used, which when grated adds an intense and concentrated citrus aroma to sauces, marinades, or sweets. The juice of the very ripe fruit is an interesting substitute for lemon.