Kinds of Ehime Citrus
Ehime, Kingdom of Citrus
Ehime Prefecture is the second largest harvester of unshu mikan after Wakayama Prefecture, but is the leader when it comes to chubankan citrus. It's No. 1 in Japan for citrus overall, producing 207,000 tons in 2017.
Also, it produces more than 40 varieties—another national best. While citrus harvests in Ehime Prefecture are decreasing, a shift toward chubankan citrus is also well underway, and the number of delicious, outstanding varieties is increasing rapidly—varieties like Beni Madonna, Kanpei, and Setoka, to name just a few.
The reason for the high yields is said to be that "it has three suns". The first is the sun that shines in the southern sky, the second is the sun that's reflected off the sea, and the third is the sun that's reflected off the stone walls up on the mountains. Citrus that grow while basking in the light of these three suns taste exceedingly sweet and juicy.
Calendar of Seasonal Citrus
With these factors making it a land so well-suited to growing them, the prefecture has gained the richly deserved nickname "Ehime, Kingdom of Citrus."
Also, growing a wide variety of citrus means they're harvested all year round, so you can enjoy flavors that match the season.
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Kinds of Ehime Citrus
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Iyokan
This juicy, large citrus' flesh is characterized by its fresh aroma, sweetness, and moderately sour flavor.
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Ponkan
Even among other citrus, this one's sweet, strong flavor and rich aroma are outstanding.
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Kanpei / Ehime Queen Splash
With its thin inner skin, this citrus is chock-full of flesh! It's an original product from Ehime Prefecture.
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Setoka
Repeated selective breeding has created this citrus masterpiece, picking out only the very best qualities.
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Shiranui
The exquisite balance between rich sweetness and moderate sourness give this citrus its great texture.
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Kiyomi
Outstanding in both flavor and aroma, this citrus is a parent to other new varieties.
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Kawachi Bankan
Also known as the "Japanese grapefruit," this citrus has a notably crisp sweetness.
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Kara / Natsumi
This citrus possesses a particularly special sweetness thanks to a long ripening period that reduces its acidity.
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Unshu Mikan
An exemplary breed among citrus, this one goes by the common name "mikan."
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Ehime Kashi No. 28 (Beni Madonna)
This citrus has soft flesh and is bursting with fruit juice! It's an original product from Ehime Prefecture.
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Harehime
With the sweetness of a mikan and the aroma of an orange, this citrus is the best of both worlds.