Setoda lemon
瀬戸田レモンIngredientSep to Dec
Setoda lemons come from Ikuchijima's groves in the Geiyo islands, the heart of Japan's biggest lemon-growing prefecture, and you taste them in cakes, gelato and drinks all along the island road.
Lemon seedlings reached the Geiyo islands from Wakayama in 1899, and the islands became Japan's main lemon country. Cold waves in 1976 and 1981 damaged the crop, and growing recovered as buyers sought fruit free of the post-harvest fungicides used on imports. Hiroshima grew about 61% of Japan's lemons in 2013, and the prefecture ships them as Setouchi Hiroshima lemons.
Ikuchijima, the old town of Setoda, and Osakishimojima in Kure rank as the best-known growing areas. Most Japanese lemons are picked unripe in autumn and ripened after harvest, and green lemons sell too. Along Setoda's streets you meet the fruit in lemon cake, gelato and lemonade.
Worth knowing
- Look for green lemons in autumn and early winter.
Quick answers about Setoda lemonよくある質問
How do you order Setoda lemon?
Buy whole fruit at farm stands and shops, or order lemon desserts and drinks at the cafés on Setoda's Shiomachi street.
When is Setoda lemon in season?
Setoda lemon: Japanese lemons are picked mainly from September to December, and green lemons reach the market before the fruit turns yellow.
Where can you eat Setoda lemon in Japan?
Places we list for Setoda lemon include Chidori, Shimanami Dolce Setoda, Shimagokoro Setoda, Shiomachi-tei.