Nijumaru Oranges
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Nijumaru oranges are a medium to large varietal, averaging 250 to 300 grams in weight, and have a round, oblate, to ovate shape with a slightly flattened nature. The fruit’s skin is taut, thin, glossy, and semi-smooth, covered in prominent oil glands, giving the surface a pebbled feel. The skin also ripens to a dark orange hue and remains adhered to the flesh, even after ripening. Nijumaru oranges can be peeled by hand, revealing a saturated orange flesh divided into 9 to 11 segments by thin, barely noticeable membranes. One defining characteristic of the variety is a pale ring of lighter flesh in the center, darkening towards the skin. The flesh is aqueous and succulent with a unique, semi-firm texture. The flesh is also comprised of plump small to large-sized vesicles containing pulp and juice. When consumed, these firm vesicles of varying densities create a popping sensation in the mouth. Nijumaru oranges are generally seedless but can sometimes contain a few seeds. Select Nijumaru oranges that are heavy for their size and release a refreshing aroma when ripe. The stem caps should also be green, as brown indicates they are older. Nijumaru oranges are edible raw once ripe and have a high sugar content, ranging from 13 to 18 degrees Brix, depending on growing conditions. This sugar content creates a rich, sweet flavor combined with moderate, tangy acidity.
Seasons/Availability
Nijumaru oranges are harvested in the winter between late December through January. Once picked, the fruits are left in a storage facility for 1 to 2 months to lower acidity and concentrate overall sweetness. Nijumaru oranges have a peak season from February through May.
Current Facts
Nijumaru oranges, botanically classified as Citrus reticulata, are a Japanese variety belonging to the Rutaceae or citrus family. The specialty citrus was released to commercial markets in the early 21st century and is a signature fruit of the Saga prefecture. Nijumaru oranges are a mid to late-season variety favored for their large size, fragrant aroma, rich sweetness, and juicy consistency. The variety was officially named Saga Fruit Test No. 35 when it was first released and was later rebranded under the commercial marketing name Nijumaru. In Japan, Nijumaru oranges are only grown in limited quantities in the Saga Prefecture, making them a relatively rare variety. The seasonal fruits are savored for their sweet-tart flavor and are sold in select markets throughout the country as a premium orange. Nijumaru oranges are primarily consumed fresh or given as gifts to family and friends. The oranges can also be incorporated into a wide array of sweet or savory preparations.
Nutritional Value
Nijumaru oranges have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Like other Japanese oranges, the variety is a source of vitamin C to boost the immune system, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, calcium to protect bones and teeth, and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body. Oranges also provide vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, vitamin E to reduce inflammation, and other nutrients, including magnesium, copper, folate, and antioxidants.
Applications
Nijumaru oranges have a sweet, subtly tangy taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is primarily eaten out of hand and is savored as a specialty fruit of the Saga Prefecture. Nijumaru oranges can be segmented and served as a snack, chopped and tossed into salads, or sliced and mixed into fruit medleys. The refreshing oranges can be used as a topping over breakfast dishes such as parfaits, porridge, and yogurt, diced and added to slaws, or mixed with fresh herbs into various seafood dishes. In addition to fresh preparations, Nijumaru oranges can be blended into juices, smoothies, and shakes, or the juice can be used to flavor jellies, jams, and marmalades. The fruits are also juiced and used as flavoring in sauces for savory meat dishes and salad dressings. In Japan, Nijumaru oranges are sometimes incorporated into desserts such as cakes, tarts, and cookies or added to baked goods, including bread, scones, and muffins. Nijumaru oranges pair well with nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pine, and pecans, vanilla, chocolate, honey, maple syrup, and fruits including melons, bananas, strawberries, and grapes. Whole, unopened Nijumaru oranges will keep for several weeks when wrapped in newspaper, placed in a plastic bag, and stored in the refrigerator. The oranges can also be stored at room temperature, but the flesh will eventually dry out. It is recommended to immediately consume the fruits for the best quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The name Nijumaru roughly translates to mean “double circle” in Japanese. Double circles are a symbol often used in Japan to denote quality work. In the educational system, teachers grade papers using “O’s” and “X’s.” O marks symbolize correct answers, while X marks symbolize incorrect answers. When a double circle, or double O, is used, it generally means outstanding or above average. Nijumaru oranges acquired this name as their flesh appears to have a double circle when sliced in half. The cross-section reveals a lighter ring of flesh in the center of the fruit, while a darker ring of flesh appears close to the skin. This double-circle nature exemplifies the fruit’s outstanding or above-average nature. Each year, on February 10th, the Japan Anniversary Association has declared it “Nijumaru Day.” This date was chosen as it was the official day the orange variety was released to the public.
Geography/History
Nijumaru oranges are native to Japan and were created in the Saga Prefecture. The variety was developed in 1996 through the Saga Prefectural Fruit Tree Experiment Station and was created from a cross between Ota Ponkan and Nishinoka fruits. It took over twenty years to evaluate, test, and select the variety for commercial release, and the oranges were submitted for registration in 2015 under the name Saga Fruit Test No. 35. The oranges were officially registered in August 2017 and were commercially released in February 2021 under the brand name Nijumaru. Since their release, Nijumaru oranges are only cultivated in the Saga Prefecture, and growers must acquire permission to purchase seedlings from JA Saga before they can produce the variety. When in season, Nijumaru oranges are shipped from the Saga Prefecture and sold through select markets throughout Japan.
