Satsuma History & Fun Facts

Satsumas are a citrus fruit related to the orange. It is mostly seedless and has a tender texture with a skin that is thin and leathery and is lightly attached around the fruit, making them easy to peel. Satsumas grow in humid areas and can be ripe while the skin is still green. They are round with a yellow-orange skin and a bright orange color inside.

Satsuma trees grow slow and can reach between 15 and 20 feet. The branches are nearly thornless. The tree is adapted to areas where winters are too cold for other citrus fruits, but summers are warm enough to ripen the fruit. They can withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fun Facts

The name Satsuma came from the name of the Japanese province where it came from more than 700 years ago.
Satsumas are considered cold hardy fruits and can withstand major drops in temperature.
They are great in all kinds of recipes including beverages, cakes, desserts, salads or as a garnish. Satsumas make a great sauce to top off chicken or fish because of their intense flavor.
The thin skin makes Satsumas easy to peel.
Satsumas are extremely nutritious because they contain high levels of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your skin and hair, plus it boosts your immune system and prevents you from getting sick.
Most satsumas only have about 65 calories and are relatively low in sugar, even with their sweet flavor.
Kids love them because they are little, easy to peel and have very few seeds. Satsumas are a great addition to kids lunches or an afternoon snack.