This is the Nippon Yell Gummy Kagoshima Hetsuka Daidai, made with juice from hetsuka daidai grown in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Hetsuka daidai is a native citrus variety that has grown wild for generations in Kimotsuki and Minami-Ōsumi Towns. Named after the historically isolated Hetsuka Settlement, the fruit remained largely unknown beyond the region due to limited access before modern roads. To preserve its status as a local specialty, the sale and transport of nursery stock outside these areas are prohibited, ensuring its cultivation remains exclusive to these two towns. Compared to regular daidai, hetsuka daidai is smaller, has a thinner skin, and is less sour.
Each gummy had an opaque, bright yellow hue, measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter and 1 cm in height, with a floral lime aroma. On tasting, the sugar crystals on the surface provided an initial sweetness before giving way to the firm, bouncy texture of the gummy. The first chew released the distinctive flavour of hetsuka daidai, beginning with a mellow, lime-like sweetness. With further chewing, a soft acidity emerged, followed by an airy floral quality that developed with refined elegance towards the finish. These gummies captured the delicate balance of hetsuka daidai’s flavour beautifully, making them well worth repurchasing.
This Nippon Yell Gummy Kagoshima Hetsuka Daidai contained 40 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2024.