Kankitsu Labo Dry Candied Iyokan Peel - 1.05 oz

1.05 oz Bag - Japan

Iyokan is a Japanese citrus hybrid, generally classified as Citrus × iyo. It looks somewhat like a large, heavy mandarin, but the flavor is different: very aromatic, juicy, sweet-tart and distinctly citrusy, with considerably more fragrance than you might expect from looking at it.

The fruit is fairly large—roughly 200–280 grams—and has a thick, bright orange peel that is easy to remove. The inner membrane, however, is relatively substantial, so in Japan people commonly peel the individual segments before eating them.

The harvest in January–February fruit has a firm, juicy texture and good sweet-acid balance, while fruit harvested later and allowed to mature develops a softer, gentler, less acidic character.

It is typically eaten as a fresh fruit.

That's important because Iyokan isn't one of those Japanese citrus varieties that was developed primarily as a flavoring ingredient. In Japan it is a seasonal eating citrus, generally appearing from January through March.

And that is what makes the peel so appealing! With its strong aromatic tint, juicy, sweet-tart and distinctly citrusy flavor.

Iyokan isn't yuzu. Yuzu is aromatic, very tart and often used more as a seasoning. Iyokan is much more of an eating citrus—juicy, fragrant, sweet and sour, perfect for the plane, the purse, the camera bag and the glove box!

ingredients: Iyokan, beet sugar, millet jelly, ascorbic acid