Everything to Know About Sumo Citrus, Including Health Benefits
Find out what makes this citrus fruit so different from oranges besides its funny-looking appearance—and how to use Sumo Mandarins in your cooking.
- Sumo citrus, also known as Sumo Mandarin, is a unique fruit originating from Japan in the 1970s with a distinctive appearance and slightly sweeter flavor compared to standard oranges.
Key Takeaways
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Sumo Mandarins are sweet, easy-to-peel citrus fruits, packed with vitamin C, fiber, and potassium for multiple health benefits.
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Available only from January to April, these trendy fruits can be found in major grocery stores but are pricier due to limited supply.
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Store Sumo Mandarins in the fridge for freshness and try them in various recipes, from salads to savory dishes.
Sumo citrus or Sumo Mandarins is a funny-looking fruit that originated in Japan in the 1970s and earned the nickname "dekopon" thanks to the signature "top knot" on each piece of fruit. A little larger than standard oranges, Sumo citrus has a slightly different flavor, texture, and price point.
It's an interesting citrus and deserves some exploring, not just for its unique appearance and origination but for its health benefits, storing practices, and cooking options. Learn more about the Sumo Mandarins, including what it tastes like and its health benefits, along with how it's different from others like it,
Related: 21 Fruits That Are High in Fiber—Plus Delicious Ways to Eat More of Them
What Do Sumo Mandarins Taste Like?
A typical orange usually has a nice mix of both sweet and tart with each bite. However, Sumo Mandarins are much more on the sweeter side (even more so than typical Mandarins and clementines) with refreshing acidity and a smooth texture you don't necessarily get with other oranges and citrus fruits. They are seedless and have minimal pith. Additionally, Sumos are easy to peel and aren't messy to eat, making them a great on-the-go snack.
Health Benefits of Eating Sumo Citrus
Sumo Mandarins provide a lot of vitamin C.
Each Sumo Mandarin is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant linked to help strengthen your immune system and shorten the duration of a common cold.Vitamin C can also help lower the risk for certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and age-related eye diseases.
Sumo Mandarins are packed with fiber and potassium.
These Mandarins are also rich in fiber and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, boost your energy, and improve blood sugar levels.
Sumo Mandarins may help prevent kidney stones.
Certain citrus fruits, such as Sumos, have also been said to possibly help prevent kidney stones. The reason is that the salt found in citric acid sticks to the calcium which then helps to prevent a stone from forming.
Where Do You Buy Sumo Citrus?
Once a citrus solely found in Japan, today, Sumos are grown domestically in California and can be purchased at many big-name grocery chains nationwide like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's , among others.
While these Mandarins may be easy to find alongside other varieties, don't expect them to be priced the same. There is a limited supply of Sumo Mandarins because it can take up to four years for its tree to bear the fruit. You can typically find these fruits for about $3-$4 a piece, or up to $6 per pound.
When Is Sumo Citrus Season?
You should definitely enjoy Sumo citrus when you see it in the grocery store, as this fruit isn't available year round. You can expect to see Sumo mandarins available only from January through April.
Related: What Fruits Are In Season Right Now?
Where to Store Sumo Mandarins
While regular oranges can be stored on the counter , Sumo Mandarins shouldn't be left out. Once you buy Sumo Mandarins you'll want to keep them in the refrigerator so they stay cool. Unlike some other citrus, they need good air circulation so the veggie drawer is the best spot since it is well-ventilated. Sumo citrus will typically last for about a week in the refrigerator.
Easy Recipes With Sumo Citrus
Sumo Mandarins are great eaten on their own but they are also easy to cook with, too. When cooking with Sumo citrus, you can treat them as you would other fresh citrus fruits, which means you have a wide variety of options.
Winter Citrus With Nut and Honey Crunch
Victor Protasio
Take advantage of the variety of oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines that are in season in the winter and make this crunchy, sweet brunch salad. Take your pick, slice them into rounds, and coat the citrus in an orange honey syrup that's simply delightful.
Winter Citrus Pavlova
Greg DuPree
Coming to us from Australia, pavlova is an increasingly popular dessert made of a meringue base topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. In this gorgeous winter rendition, an easy-to-make lime curd is a scrumptious addition and a perfect complement to the mixed citrus on top.
Crispy Cod With Blistered Orange And Fennel
Roasting oranges helps caramelize them and give them a sweet and smoky flavor. This recipe can work with any variety of oranges, including Sumo citrus.
Steak and Potato Skewers With Orange Salsa
Victor Protasio
Fruit salsa have become a tasty accompaniment to many main dishes. Here, you can use Sumo Mandarins in lieu of other varieties.
Every-Citrus Salad With Almonds and Manchego
Caitlin Bensel
A Sumo citrus is extremely easy to peel, helping you get this colorful, flavorful salad to the table even faster. A crumble of sweet-salty manchego cheese caps off this salad.
Smoky Sheet Pan Salmon and Potatoes
Caitlin Bensel
Sweet-tart Sumo citrus is the perfect foil for salmon in this healthy and easy sheet pan dinner . It's loaded with superfoods, from the salmon and citrus to the avocado garnish.
Related: 5 Drinks That'll Help You Live to 100, According to Longevity Experts
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