Gold Yuzu

Gold Yuzu

(Citrus junos 'Gold')

Documented by Léo — grown in the ground, USDA zone 8b

Gold Yuzu (Citrus junos 'Gold') is a modern selection of yuzu chosen for its smaller fruits, orange-tinged at full maturity, and its particularly intense golden yellow coloring at maturity. Its hardiness reaches 10°F (−12°C) on the tree, making it suitable for in-ground growing in USDA zone 8a. The tree reaches 10 to 13 ft (3 to 4 m) with a rounded, spreading habit, aromatic evergreen foliage, and very fragrant white flowers. Its deep golden yellow fruits, smaller in size (about 3.2 oz, or 90 g, according to Vessières), with bumpy, thick skin rich in essential oils, ripen in October to November and hold authentic yuzu juice with aromas blending mandarin, grapefruit, and orange blossom. Very tart and fragrant. Excellent as zest, juice, ponzu vinegar, and in niche pastry. Must be grafted onto Poncirus trifoliata to maximize hardiness; plant against a south-southwest-facing wall.

Identity

OriginJapan

Genetic originSelection of Citrus junos

USDA zone8a

Cold hardiness10°F (−12°C)

Fruit cold hardiness25°F (−4°C)

GrowthVigorous

Height13 ft (4 m)

HarvestNovember, December

SeedsMany

UsesJuice, Preserves, Savory cooking, Sweet cooking

FlavorsSour, Highly aromatic, Exotic

History & Description

Origin

Gold Yuzu (sometimes called 'Kigiku' or 'Ogon' depending on the selection) is a variety selected for the superior aesthetics of its fruit and their particularly intense, luminous golden-yellow color at maturity.

Tree description

The tree has the same robustness characteristics as the green yuzu: upright habit, strong vigor, and cold resistance, with a reference figure of about 10°F (−12°C), varying with conditions.

Fruit quality

The fruits are of good size and very regular. The skin is a deep yellow, almost golden ("Gold"), very thick and easy to detach.

Flavor and ornamental interest

It is prized for the quality of its zest, sometimes judged finer and less bitter than the wild type. It is the yuzu of choice for culinary presentation and luxury confectionery, bringing a touch of gold and a powerful fragrance to dishes.