Gather round fellow merfolk! We have quenched your insatiable thirst for knowledge with a deep dive into some of our favorite secret ingredients. Okay, okay, so they are not so secret, but they are just too good not to share.
If you are new to the Rowdy Mermaid community, welcome! If you want to catch up on our riveting content, here is what we have covered so far: ashwagandha, hibiscus, holy basil, lion’s mane mushroom, and turmeric. Wow, we really have covered a lot, but luckily for you, there is still so much more to learn about. (You’re welcome). What’s up next you ask? Yuzu. Fins and flippers ready? Let’s dive in…
What is Yuzu?
Yuzu (yoo-zoo) is a lesser-known citrus fruit that is fragrant and sour. The most cold-resistant of all of the citrus fruits, yuzu fruit is about the size of a Mandarin orange or tangerine, but looks similar to a lemon and has a bumpy, thick rind.
Taste and Uses
Sour and tart in taste, yuzu has very subtle undertones of florals and herbal notes. It basically can be used just like you would use a lemon or lime. Its natural acidic levels provide depth to dishes while its zest can deliver a zing of fresh flare and fragrance to recipes.
Mainly used in Japan for its uniquely fragrant peel, it also lends a delicious last-minute flavor to salads, simmered dishes, and soups like miso. It is even a delicious addition to homemade sauces like ponzu sauce. You can even spot it in cocktails, hard seltzers, marinades, mayos, and vinaigrettes. Chefs are also using it in desserts, in fish dishes, on noodles, and on vegetables. The zest also makes for a gorgeous garnish perfect for handcrafted mocktails to sip all year long.
Although more research needs to be conducted on the health benefits of yuzu, some preliminary research has found yuzu is a good source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. It also contains antioxidants such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin C. (Score!)
Why We Love Yuzu
Yuzu has been used by bakers, chefs, and mixologists for years and it was recently one of Whole Foods 2022 forecasted trends to watch for this year. We have been using yuzu for years, so we guess you could say we are just trendsetters!
If you cannot get enough yuzu in your life, you are in luck! Meet our newest Rowdy flavor “Hello Ginger,” featuring the delectable combination of ginger, lemon, and yuzu. Designed for vitality, the sweet heat of ginger and the taste of bright and refreshing lemon pair perfectly with a subtle touch of Japanese Yuzu to make one tasty flavor combination we cannot wait for you to try.
Craving More? Us Too!
We love taking these deep dives with you, but we want to hear more about what you want to learn about. Head over to our Instagram and follow us @RowdyMermaid then send us a comment or DM and tell us what you want to learn more about and remember, always stay rowdy friends!