# yuzu

/ˈjuzu/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yuzu
Updated: 2026-09-26

## Definition

a yellow citrus fruit from East Asia that looks like a small grapefruit and has a very strong, sour taste. You usually use its juice or skin to add flavor to food and drinks rather than eating it whole.

For teachers: a sour, aromatic citrus fruit originating in East Asia, botanically a hybrid of an ichang papeda and a mandarin orange. It is valued primarily for its fragrant zest and juice in culinary applications rather than for direct consumption.

## Examples

- The chef added yuzu juice to the sauce for a fresh, sour taste.
- Many Japanese restaurants serve yuzu sorbet as a refreshing palate cleanser between courses.
- The cocktail features a delicate balance of botanical gin and the sharp, floral acidity of fresh yuzu, garnished with a single shiso leaf to enhance the aroma.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the juice or flavor; countable when referring to the individual fruits.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.