This is the Nippon Yell Dried Fruit Ōita Ripe Kabosu, made from ripe kabosu grown in Ōita Prefecture, dried and candied.
Each slice measured 3–5 cm at its widest, and had a vibrant golden-yellow hue with a thin coating of crystallised sugar. The slices emitted a sweet, floral citrus aroma, notably lacking any sharpness.
The exterior was slightly sticky, as if some of the sugar had melted, and softer compared to other dried citrus varieties. The sugar coating provided an initial burst of sweet, floral citrus “ade” flavour, lingering pleasantly with each chew. The rind, while offering slight resistance compared to the tender membranes, released a sharp zestiness mid-bite. As the bite progressed, the rind softened, delivering a satisfying crunch. This developed into a juicy, aromatic acidity from the dehydrated juice vesicles, balanced by only a subtle hint of bitterness in the finish.
These flavours combined bright lemony notes, floral yuzu-like undertones, and a zesty lime nuance, all harmonised by a distinct but balanced citrusy sourness. Unlike other citrus varieties, the kabosu produced noticeably less of the tongue-tingling sensation from fruit oils, likely due to the ripeness of the fruit. Overall, this candied kabosu captured a delightful balance of sweetness, zestiness, and juicy acidity, offering a unique and enjoyable citrus treat that is worth repurchasing.
This Nippon Yell Dried Fruit Ōita Ripe Kabosu contained 22 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2024.