Shekwasha Mandarin

Shekwasha Mandarin

(Citrus depressa)

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

Shekwasha mandarin (Citrus depressa) is a traditional citrus of the Okinawa archipelago, grown for centuries in subtropical Japanese coastal villages for its characteristic aromatic acidity. Its tree hardiness reaches 12°F (−11°C), making it suitable for in-ground growing in USDA zone 8a to 8b. The tree reaches up to 13 ft (4 m) according to Vessière, with a rounded habit, evergreen foliage, and fragrant white flowers. Its round, flattened fruit, bright green (harvested green) or yellow-orange (at full ripeness), small at 1 to 2 in (3 to 5 cm) and thin-skinned, ripens in fall and concentrates a very sour, fragrant juice with unique notes blending lime, wild mandarin, and yuzu. Essential in Okinawan cooking (fish, sauces, refreshing juice). Many seeds. Graft onto Poncirus trifoliata, plant against a south-facing wall.

Identity

OriginJapan (Okinawa), Taiwan

Genetic originBotanical species Citrus depressa

USDA zone8a

Cold hardiness12°F (−11°C)

Fruit cold hardiness27°F (−3°C)

GrowthVigorous

Height13 ft (4 m)

HarvestOctober, November, December

SeedsMany

UsesFresh eating, Juice, Preserves, Savory cooking

FlavorsSour, Tart, Highly aromatic

History & Description

Origin

The Shekwasha, or 'Hirami Lemon', is an emblematic citrus of the Okinawa archipelago and Taiwan. It is revered for its health virtues and its longevity, being a pillar of the diet of Okinawa’s centenarians.

Tree description

It is a vigorous, bushy tree, very floriferous. It adapts well to various soils and shows good resistance to disease and to cold once established.

Fruit quality

The fruit is small and flattened, going from dark green to yellow-orange. It can be harvested green (for acidity) or ripe (for sweetness). It contains a very high concentration of nobiletin, a potent flavonoid.

Flavor and ornamental interest

Green, it replaces lemon or calamansi with a sharp, aromatic acidity, ideal for fish and sauces (ponzu). Ripe, it becomes a small, tart-sweet, very refreshing mandarin.