Everything to Know about Sumo Citrus, Including Health Benefits

Sumo Mandarin or Sumo citrus is a funny-looking fruit that originated in Japan in the 1970s and earned the nickname "dekopon" thanks to the signature "top knot" on each piece of fruit. A little larger than standard oranges, Sumo citrus has a slightly different flavor, texture, and price point.

It's an interesting citrus and deserves some exploring, not just for its unique appearance and origination but for its health benefits, storing practices, and cooking options. Learn more about the Sumo Mandarins, including what it tastes like and its health benefits, along with how it's different from others like it,

What Do Sumo Mandarins Taste Like?

A typical orange usually has a nice mix of both sweet and tart with each bite. However, Sumo Mandarins are much more on the sweeter side (even more so than typical Mandarins and clementines) with refreshing acidity and a smooth texture you don't necessarily get with other oranges and citrus fruits. They are seedless and have minimal pith. Additionally, Sumos are easy to peel and aren't messy to eat, making them a great on-the-go snack.

Health Benefits of Eating Sumo Mandarins

Sumo Mandarins provide a lot of vitamin C.

Each Sumo Mandarin is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant linked to help strengthen your immune system and shorten the duration of a common cold.Vitamin C can also help lower the risk for certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and age-related eye diseases. 

Sumo Mandarins are packed with fiber and potassium.

These Mandarins are also rich in fiber and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, boost your energy, and improve blood sugar levels.

Sumo Mandarins may help prevent kidney stones.

Certain citrus fruits, such as Sumos, have also been said to possibly help prevent kidney stones. The reason is that the salt found in citric acid sticks to the calcium which then helps to prevent a stone from forming.

Where Do You Buy Sumo Mandarins?

Once a citrus solely found in Japan, today, Sumos are grown domestically in California and can be purchased at many big-name grocery chains nationwide like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, among others.

While these Mandarins may be easy to find alongside other varieties, don't expect them to be priced the same. There is a limited supply of Sumo Mandarins because it can take up to four years for its tree to bear the fruit. Plus, the season is super short, lasting only from January through April. You can typically find these fruits for about $3-$4 a piece, or up to $6 per pound.

Where to Store Sumo Mandarins

While regular oranges can be stored on the counter, Sumo Mandarins shouldn't be left out. Once you buy Sumo Mandarins you'll want to keep them in the refrigerator so they stay cool. Unlike some other citrus, they need good air circulation so the veggie drawer is the best spot since it is well-ventilated. Sumo citrus will typically last for about a week in the refrigerator.

Easy Recipes with Sumo Mandarins

Sumo Mandarins are great eaten on their own but they are also easy to cook with, too. When cooking with Sumo citrus, you can treat them as you would other fresh citrus fruits, which means you have a wide variety of options.

Winter Citrus With Nut and Honey Crunch

Take advantage of the variety of oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines that are in season in the winter and make this crunchy, sweet brunch salad. Take your pick, slice them into rounds, and coat the citrus in an orange honey syrup that’s simply delightful.

Winter Citrus Pavlova

Coming to us from Australia, pavlova is an increasingly popular dessert made of a meringue base topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. In this gorgeous winter rendition, an easy-to-make lime curd is a scrumptious addition and a perfect complement to the mixed citrus on top.