Yuzu
/ˈjuː.zuː/noun
A small, aromatic yellow citrus fruit native to East Asia, valued for its tart juice and fragrant rind.
Did you know?On the winter solstice, Japanese people traditionally bathe with whole yuzu fruits in a practice called yuzuyu, believed to ward off illness and attract good luck.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Old Chinese
柚子
“A term for a citrus fruit; the exact early pronunciation is reconstructed and uncertain.”
Medieval China
Middle Chinese: 柚子
yùzǐ
“A citrus fruit, literally using 柚 for the fruit and 子 as a noun-forming element.”
8th–10th Century
Japanese
ゆず / 柚子
“A citrus fruit name borrowed from Chinese and adapted to Japanese pronunciation.”
17th–19th Century
Japanese
yuzu
“The fragrant, tart citrus now associated especially with Japanese cuisine and seasonal customs.”
20th Century
English
yuzu
“An English culinary loanword for the East Asian citrus fruit, increasingly popular in sauces, desserts, and cocktails.”