Meet Sumo Citrus, the Short-Lived Fruit That Celebrities and Chefs Swear By

Sumo mandarins stand out in the produce aisle, thanks to their trademark knotty tops and a price of up to $4 per pound. But there’s more to these easy-to-peel fruits than their bulbous appearance and hefty price tag.

Sumo mandarins are some of the most delicious citrus you can find this time of year, and are much sought-after by food lovers who appreciate their seasonal bright flavor. Here’s how Sumo mandarins became the star of citrus season, and how to get your hands on them.

Related: The 5 Best Citrus Juicers, According to Our Tests

What is Sumo Citrus?

Trademarked as “Sumo Citrus” in the U.S., shiranui oranges are a hybrid of three varieties: mandarin oranges, satsumas, and navel oranges. In Japan, where they were originally cultivated, they are called dekopon, which roughly translates to “uneven.”

These large fruits, slightly smaller than grapefruit, have wrinkled skin that is easy to peel and an incredibly sweet flavor compared to other citrus. They can register up to 18 Brix on the sweetness scale, compared to 12 for satsumas, according to The Guardian. The “sumo” name comes from the top bulb’s resemblance to a sumo wrestler’s hairstyle.

History of Sumo Citrus

In the 1970s, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture set out to create the gold standard of citrus to reinvigorate the country’s fruit market. The goal: A less acidic and seedless fruit that was easy to peel. By the 1990s, shiranui citruses were popular throughout Japan.

The first seedlings did not arrive in the U.S. until 1998. They debuted on supermarket shelves at Whole Foods in 2011. In the U.S., Sumo Citrus is owned by AC Foods, which invested heavily in the fruit’s marketing, according to CNN.

Sumo Citrus have also benefited from exposure from influencers like Eva Chen, the director of fashion partnerships at Instagram, a fan of the fruit.

When is Sumo Citrus season?

Sumo mandarins are available only from January through April. They are among the most difficult citrus fruits to cultivate, which contributes to their short growing season. Sumo citruses sold in the U.S. are grown in the San Joaquín Valley, located in California’s Central Valley, and also in Australia.

What makes Sumo Citrus special?

Compared to mandarins or clementines, Sumo mandarins are much sweeter and less tart. They are also juicier, easier to peel, and have virtually no seeds.

A few factors contribute to the price of Sumo mandarins. The plants require year-round attention and care, and they can take about four years to develop before they are ready to harvest. Delicate and susceptible to bruising, they are hand-picked and require careful packaging. What’s more, they are refrigerated during shipping to preserve their quality and freshness before they are transported to grocery stores, according to the Sumo Citrus website.

Given their steep price, sumos are best eaten out of hand, used as a raw garnish, or as a salad ingredient. Their sweetness can also help to balance the tartness of more bitter citrus like grapefruit.

Where to buy Sumo Citrus

Despite their limited growing season and locations, Sumo mandarins are available in most major grocery stores. “For fans on the hunt for Sumo Citrus, head to your local grocery store and keep an eye out for the iconic top knot and our bright purple sticker,” says Sunnia Gull, vice president of marketing at Sumo Citrus.

How to store Sumo Citrus

To keep Sumo mandarins fresh, store them at cool temperatures with good air circulation, says Gull. The fruits will keep at room temperature for a few days, but they can remain in their prime for up to one month when refrigerated.

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