Great for Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Beautiful Skin
Shikuwasa is a small citrus fruit, about 3 to 4 cm in diameter, that grows naturally in the northern region of Okinawa, known as Yanbaru. It’s also called the Hirami lemon in Japanese.
The name “Shikuwasa” comes from the Okinawan dialect — shii meaning “sour” and kuwaasa meaning “to make (someone) eat” — together implying “to make someone eat something sour.”
Nutritionally, Shikuwasa is packed with vitamins, minerals, and beta-carotene. It’s especially rich in nobiletin, a type of polyphenol known to help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, boost metabolism, and ease allergies. Some studies even suggest it may help prevent dementia.
Shikuwasa — The Tiny Citrus That Makes Everything Better!
Shikuwasa goes perfectly with almost any drink you can think of — shochu, awamori, whisky, gin, vodka, plum wine, red wine, beer, even makgeolli! Its bright, tangy flavor adds a refreshing twist that makes cocktails, sours, or highballs super easy to enjoy. Mix it with soda for a fizzy kick, have it on the rocks, or warm it up on a chilly night — it’s good any way you like!
And it’s not just for drinks. Squeeze some over your favorite dishes, add it to hot or sparkling water for a healthy juice, or use it as a flavor boost in cooking. The ripe fruits are sweet and great for fresh juice, while the green ones give a zesty punch to sashimi or grilled fish.
Bonus: it’s great for your skin, too! Shikuwasa is loaded with nobiletin, vitamin C, citric acid, and hesperidin — all the good stuff that helps prevent dark spots, supports collagen, and keeps your skin fresh and glowing.
Refreshing, tasty, and good for you — that’s Shikuwasa in a nutshell!
