This is the Nippon Yell Gummy Hiroshima Hassaku & Lemon, made using Hiroshima hassaku juice and Hiroshima lemon juice in equal proportions (50% hassaku juice and 50% lemon juice as a percentage of fruit juice). Hassaku, a citrus fruit originating in Innoshima around 1860, was named for the tradition of eating it on the first day of August in the lunar calendar and is known for its distinctive, slightly bitter taste. The lemons, grown in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea, are notable for their high quality and represent the highest production volume of lemons in Japan.
Each gummy was domed in shape, measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter and 1 cm in height, with a rich yellow hue and a vibrant, zesty citrus aroma. On tasting, the surface delivered an immediate burst of sourness from the sour powder coating. This quickly transitioned into the firm, bouncy texture of the gummy exterior, which then softened into a jelly-like core. Almost immediately, a sharp lemon sourness emerged, accompanied by a notable orange-like presence from the gummy exterior. The jelly core introduced a balancing sweetness, tempering the acidity while allowing a touch of the characteristic hassaku bitterness to come through. The finish lingered with sourness and a subtle bitter note, true to the nature of the fruit.
Overall, these gummies successfully captured both the refreshing acidity of lemon and the nuanced bitterness of hassaku, making them a worthwhile purchase.
This Nippon Yell Gummy Hiroshima Hassaku & Lemon contained 40 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Tōkyō, Japan in 2024.