Satsuma (fruit)

Satsuma is a specific type of citrus fruit that is often considered a variety of mandarin orange. It is known for its sweet flavor, seedless nature, and easy-to-peel skin. The fruit is named after the former Satsuma Province in Japan, where it was first cultivated.

History

The Satsuma was first introduced to the West via Japan. In the mid-15th century, the daimyo of Satsuma, Shimazu Takahisa, sent a diplomatic mission to China that brought back the Satsuma tree. The fruit quickly became popular in the Satsuma region, and its cultivation spread throughout Japan.

In the late 19th century, wife of a United States Minister to Japan, General Van Valkenburgh, sent trees back to Florida. The Satsuma was well-suited to the subtropical climate, and by the early 20th century, Satsuma orchards occupied over 12,000 acres in the Gulf Coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.

Characteristics

Satsumas are small, typically between two and three inches in diameter. They have a thin, leathery skin dotted with large and prominent oil glands, which is lightly attached around the fruit, enabling it to be peeled very easily in comparison to other citrus fruits. The flesh is sweet and tart, with a balanced flavor profile.

The Satsuma tree is hardy down to −9 °C (15 °F), more cold-tolerant than a true mandarin. The trees are also known for their early bearing and heavy crops, even in unfavorable conditions.

Cultivation

Satsumas are typically grown in temperate to warm climates, as they require a certain amount of chill hours to produce fruit. They are relatively easy to care for, requiring well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The trees are self-fertile, meaning they do not require another tree to produce fruit.

Uses

Satsumas are primarily eaten fresh, but they can also be canned, juiced, or used in salads, desserts, and savory dishes. They are also used in traditional Asian medicine for their high vitamin C content and potential antioxidant properties.

See also

• Citrus
• Mandarin orange
• Citrus cultivation