Have you seen oranges that look odd, with a bumpy, lumpy skin? Perhaps you wondered when these strange fruit, known as Sumo Citrus, are available. Fruit fans love them for their extra sweetness and unique look. Wondering when you can grab these "lumpy bumpy oranges" at the store?
What Are Lumpy Bumpy Oranges
Lumpy bumpy oranges, known as Sumo Citrus, are a special kind of mandarin orange. They're big, uneven, and have a bumpy skin. A Sumo Citrus can be up to 4 inches wide, much bigger than a usual orange. Their loose skin is simple to remove and inside is juicy, seedless, sweet, and slightly tart.
Sumo Citrus, or lumpy bumpy oranges, has a unique smell and belong to the mandarin family. They look different from round oranges, being more oblate. All mandarins are sweeter than regular oranges.
A ripe Sumo Citrus feels firm but slightly soft and is heavy for its size. It has a pebbly skin. This comes from a thin peel and little white part that's bitter. It makes them easy to peel and eat. Their tree can take more drought than the fruit it grows.
Mandarins like Sumo Citrus started in Vietnam, China, and Japan. They're key to many citrus we eat today. Mandarins and other fruits like citron and pomelo mixed and changed over time, forming many types of oranges we know.
The Seasonal Availability of Lumpy Bumpy Oranges
Lumpy bumpy oranges, known as Sumo Citrus, are a special winter fruit. They're at their best from January to March. These oranges stand out with their big, bumpy skin and sweet juicy taste inside.
The time to enjoy Sumo Citrus is short. Their trees need special care to grow the perfect, seedless fruit. With unique pruning and thinning, they become the large, tempting oranges people love.
In the winter, look for Sumo Citrus in stores and markets across the U.S. They're rare and known for their amazing flavor. Many people eagerly await their arrival every year.
Despite their short season, eating a Sumo Citrus orange is a delightful experience. Their look and taste make them a favorite during the winter. They’re a happy part of the cold months.
When Are Lumpy Bumpy Oranges in Season
Lumpy bumpy oranges, also called Sumo Citrus, are a special type of citrus. They're mainly in season during the winter. You can get them from January to March, but they're at their best in late winter.
The cold winter helps these oranges be super sweet and flavorful. This makes them a favorite winter fruit for many.
Sumo Citrus are only available for a few months. But their unique look and great taste mean they're a hit in winter. You can find them all over the United States. Look for them in stores and markets. They're perfect for adding some fresh, tasty citrus to your meals.
| Variety | Flavor Profile | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Satsuma Mandarins | Sweet-tart | Early winter (finished by mid-January) |
| Cara Cara Oranges | Sweet-tart with berry notes | Winter |
| Meyer Lemons | Low acidity, smooth skin | Winter |
| Blood Oranges | Pomegranate and raspberry notes | Winter |
| Sumo Citrus (Lumpy Bumpy Oranges) | Sweet, juicy with a hint of zing | Mid-winter to early spring |
As winter goes on, more and more delicious citrus fruits become available. This means there's a lot to choose from. Enjoy these tasty options all winter long.
Where to Find Lumpy Bumpy Oranges
Lumpy bumpy oranges, also known as Sumo Citrus, are easy to find now. You can get them in grocery stores, specialty markets, and online. Their season is during winter, from January to March. Look for them at big stores like Whole Foods, Gelson's, and Bristol Farms. You can also find them at farmers' markets and special produce shops.
If you can't find them off the shelf, try online. Many delivery services and direct sellers offer Sumo Citrus. Even though they're only available for a short time, their popularity is growing. This means more people can enjoy these unique fruits.
Sumo Citrus is a special fruit. It’s sweet and easy to peel. This fruit is a mix of navel oranges, pomelos, and mandarins. It was first made in Japan in the 1970s. Now, it's mostly grown in California's San Joaquin Valley. People love it for its taste and look.
| Retailer | Availability | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Foods | January - April | $3-$4 per pound |
| Gelson's | January - April | $15-$20 per consumer carton |
| Bristol Farms | January - April | $3-$4 per pound |
| Online Retailers | January - April | Varies, depending on the seller |
| Farmers' Markets | January - April | $3-$4 per pound |
No matter where you shop, winter is a great time for Sumo Citrus. Look at your local store or a farmers' market. It's the perfect chance for citrus lovers to enjoy these special oranges.
Incorporating Lumpy Bumpy Oranges into Your Diet
Lumpy bumpy oranges, or Sumo Citrus, add a unique taste to many meals and treats. They are sweet and have a different texture that works well in both sweet and savory foods. You can eat them alone, put them in salads, juices, cocktails, or desserts.
They're easy to peel, so they're great snacks or for the lunchbox. Sumo Citrus is very healthy. In one fruit, you get 163% of the daily vitamin C and 10% of the daily potassium you need.
Since they're only around for a short time, use Sumo Citrus while you can. Try new ways to enjoy these special citrus fruits, like in salsas or smoothies. There are so many delicious options.
Sumo Citrus is a mix of orange, satsuma, and mandarin. It's a bit more costly because it's not around long, and it takes a lot of work to grow. But, they are tasty and full of good nutrition, which really pays off.
Add Sumo Citrus to your winter foods for a seasonal twist or enjoy as a healthy snack year-round. Incorporate these oranges into your meals for great taste and nutrition.
| Nutritional Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 163% of Daily Value |
| Potassium | 10% of Daily Value |
| Sugar | 29 grams per fruit |
| Calories | 147 per fruit |
| Carbohydrates | 35 grams per fruit |
| Fiber | 3 grams per fruit |
| Protein | 3 grams per fruit |
Sumo Citrus is sold from January to April. Make sure you try it during the season. Use it in cooking, baking, or just eat it whole. It will add sweetness and nutrients to your dishes and snacks.
The History and Origins of Lumpy Bumpy Oranges
Sumo Citrus, or "lumpy bumpy oranges," have a rich history from Japan in the 1970s. They were first known as Dekopon. These oranges stood out for their sweet taste and unusual look.
In the 1990s, the first Dekopon seedlings arrived in California. Citrus growers in the state's Central Valley started to grow them. This marked the beginning of the Sumo Citrus era in the U.S.
The popularity of Sumos has since grown, becoming available across the country in winter. California growers aim for top quality, focusing on the fruit's unique aspects like Timing, Top Knot, and Texture.
Today, Sumo Citrus is loved in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The journey to develop these oranges, spanning almost 30 years, shows the hard work and creativity of farmers in Japan and California.
Conclusion
Lumpy bumpy oranges, also called Sumo Citrus, stand out for their unique look and great taste. People love their large, irregular shape and sweet flavor that's even sweeter than regular oranges. You can only get Sumo Citrus in the winter, from January to March, which makes them a special treat.
These oranges are easy to peel and don't have seeds inside. This makes them perfect for eating as they are or adding to meals. As more shoppers look for special, tasty fruits, the demand for Sumo Citrus will likely rise more each year.
Sumo Citrus are a special kind of orange, perfect alone or in cooking. Their limited time in stores and unique features make them a favorite winter fruit. Anyone who tries them will be amazed by their wonderful taste.
