Satsumas 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Satsuma: A Complete Guide

What is Satsumas

Satsumas are a type of citrus fruit, kind of like tangerines, but a bit special in their own way. They’re small, usually about the size of a baseball, with a bright orange skin that’s easy to peel off. The best thing about satsumas is how sweet and juicy they are without being too tangy. The segments inside break apart easily, making them perfect for snacking. They also don’t have a lot of seeds, which makes them even more convenient to eat. Satsumas are grown mostly in warmer places like Japan and the southern U.S., but they’re available in grocery stores during the winter. They’re one of those fruits that taste like sunshine, especially on a cold day when you need something fresh and refreshing.

Other Names of Satsumas

Satsumas go by a few different names depending on where they’re grown or who’s talking about them. Here’s a list of some of the other names you might hear:

1. Clementines – While they’re technically a different variety, clementines are often mixed up with satsumas because they’re both small, easy to peel, and super sweet.
2. Seedless Tangerines – This name comes from how satsumas don’t have a lot of seeds inside, making them a popular choice for people who don’t want to deal with seeds.
3. Kiyomi – A hybrid fruit that’s a cross between a satsuma and a variety of other citrus fruits. It’s sweeter and a little more tangy, but still close to the original satsuma taste.
4. Shiranui – A specific type of satsuma grown in Japan, known for its extra sweetness and juiciness.
5. Unshiu Mandarin – This is another name used for satsumas, especially in Japan. It’s referring to a variety that’s super easy to peel and has a smooth texture.

So, while “satsuma” is the most common name, you might hear these others thrown around too! They’re all pretty similar but might have their little differences depending on the type.

Nutritional Value of Satsumas

Here is the approximate nutritional value of Satsumas per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	53 kcal
Water	86.6 g
Protein	0.9 g
Carbohydrates	13.3 g
Sugars	8.2 g
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g
Fat	0.3 g
Vitamin C	26.7 mg
Vitamin A	34 µg
Vitamin B6	0.078 mg
Folate (B9)	8 µg
Potassium	166 mg
Calcium	30 mg
Iron	0.2 mg
Magnesium	12 mg
Phosphorus	20 mg

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific variety of Satsuma and growing conditions. Satsumas are low in calories, a good source of vitamin C, and provide various other vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy and nutritious snack.

Benefits of Satsumas

Satsumas have a lot of benefits that make them more than just a tasty snack. Here’s a list of why they’re so good for you:

1. Packed with Vitamin C – Satsumas are full of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and keep you from getting sick, especially during the colder months. It also helps your skin stay healthy and can even improve your mood.
2. Low in Calories – They’re light and not full of calories, so you can snack on them without feeling guilty. If you’re trying to eat healthier or keep your weight in check, satsumas are a great choice.
3. Good for Digestion – Satsumas have fiber, which is good for your digestive system. It helps keep things moving and can prevent constipation.
4. Hydrating – With all that juicy pulp inside, satsumas are full of water. This makes them a great way to stay hydrated, especially on hot days or after exercise.
5. Rich in Antioxidants – They’ve got antioxidants that help protect your body from harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to health problems over time.
6. Easy to Eat – They’re easy to peel and separate into segments, making them a super convenient and mess-free snack for anyone, especially for kids or on the go.
7. Supports Heart Health – The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in satsumas can help keep your heart healthy by lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.

So, besides being delicious, satsumas are a great, healthy fruit to include in your diet.

Varieties of Satsumas

There are a few different varieties of satsumas, each with its own little twist on flavor and texture. Here’s a list of some of the more popular ones:

1. Shiranui – This one’s a favorite in Japan. It’s super sweet, juicy, and easy to peel. The segments inside are almost perfect, and you won’t find many seeds. It’s known for being a little more tender than other satsumas.
2. Owari – Owari is one of the oldest and most traditional types of satsuma. It has a classic, tangy-sweet flavor, and while it’s a bit less sweet than Shiranui, it’s still really juicy. It’s also one of the most widely grown types.
3. Kiyomi – This is a hybrid variety, a cross between a satsuma and other citrus fruits. It’s a bit bigger than regular satsumas and has a slightly sharper taste. It’s still sweet, though, and very juicy.
4. Miho Wase – A variety that’s usually a little smaller and often earlier to ripen. It’s sweet, easy to peel, and tends to have fewer seeds, making it a nice option for snacking.
5. Tachibana – A rare type of satsuma that has a more fragrant aroma. The taste is a mix of sweet and slightly tangy, with a smooth texture.

Each variety has its own unique taste and texture, but all of them are still delicious in their own way. They’re great for snacking or adding a burst of citrus to any meal.

What Does Satsumas Taste Like

Satsumas have this sweet, refreshing taste that’s hard to beat. They’re not too tangy like some other citrus fruits, but more on the sweeter side, with just a little hint of tartness. When you peel one open, the segments are juicy and burst with flavor, almost like you’re biting into sunshine. The flesh is soft and smooth, and because they don’t have many seeds, you don’t have to worry about spitting them out. It’s like the perfect balance between sweet and citrusy, without being overpowering. They’re just the right kind of fruit to brighten up your day, whether you eat them on their own or toss them into a salad.

How To Use Satsumas

Satsumas are super versatile, so you can use them in lots of different ways. Here are a few ideas to make the most of these sweet little fruits:

1. Snack on Them – The easiest way to enjoy satsumas is to just peel and eat them. The segments come apart easily, and they’re perfect for a quick, healthy snack anytime.
2. Add to Salads – You can add satsuma segments to salads for a burst of sweetness. They pair really well with greens like spinach, arugula, or even mixed greens, adding a fresh citrusy twist.
3. Make a Smoothie – Throw a satsuma or two into your blender with some other fruit, like bananas or berries, and some yogurt or juice. It makes for a sweet, refreshing smoothie that’s perfect for breakfast or a pick-me-up.
4. Bake with Them – You can bake satsumas into muffins, cakes, or even cookies. Their juicy sweetness can add a nice flavor to any baked good. Try adding a little zest to the batter for an extra citrus kick.
5. Use in Dressings or Marinades – The juice of a satsuma can be used in dressings for salads or as part of a marinade for meats like chicken or pork. It gives a fresh, fruity flavor that’s not too overpowering.
6. Make Satsuma Jam or Jelly – If you have a lot of satsumas, you can make homemade jam or jelly. It’s a fun way to preserve their sweetness and enjoy them year-round on toast or in desserts.
7. Satsuma Sorbet – If you want to get creative, you can turn satsumas into a refreshing sorbet. Just blend the fruit with sugar and freeze it for a homemade frozen treat.

Satsumas are easy to use and can make any dish feel fresh and flavorful.

Substitute for Satsumas

If you can’t find satsumas or just want to try something different, there are a few good substitutes that give you that sweet, citrusy vibe. Here’s a list of some options:

1. Clementines – These are probably the most similar to satsumas. They’re small, easy to peel, and sweet with a little tang. Like satsumas, they’re great for snacking and don’t have many seeds.
2. Mandarins – Mandarins are a bit more general, but they still work well as a substitute. They’re sweet, juicy, and easy to peel, though they might be a little larger than satsumas.
3. Tangerines – Tangerines have a stronger, more tangy flavor, but they’re still a good choice if you want something close to satsumas. They’re a bit firmer and may have more seeds, but they’re still easy to peel.
4. Navel Oranges – If you want something a little bigger, navel oranges can do the trick. They’re sweet and juicy, though they’re a little harder to peel than satsumas. They also have a thicker skin, but they’re still a great option if you can’t find smaller citrus fruits.
5. Blood Oranges – For a unique twist, you can use blood oranges. They’re sweeter and a bit more complex in flavor, with a reddish pulp that adds a fun pop of color to dishes. They’re not as easy to peel, but they work in salads, desserts, or smoothies.
6. Sumo Citrus – If you’re looking for something similar but a little different, sumo citrus is a great choice. They’re super easy to peel, super sweet, and juicy, though they tend to be bigger than satsumas.
7. Pomelos – These are much bigger than satsumas, but they’re still worth considering. They have a milder, less tangy flavor, and the flesh is juicy and soft. You might need to cut them into smaller pieces, but they can be a good replacement in salads or desserts.

While no substitute will be exactly the same as a satsuma, these options are all great alternatives that bring their own sweet and citrusy flair to the table.

Where to Buy Satsumas

If you’re looking to buy satsumas, you’ve got a few good places to check out. Here’s a list of where you might find them:

1. Grocery Stores – Big grocery chains like Walmart, Kroger, or Safeway usually carry satsumas, especially during the winter months when they’re in season. Look in the produce section, and they’ll likely be near other citrus fruits like oranges and mandarins.
2. Farmers’ Markets – If you live in an area where satsumas are grown, farmers’ markets are a great place to find fresh, locally grown fruit. You’ll often find them in season during the colder months, and you can support local farmers too.
3. Specialty Stores – Some specialty grocery stores, like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, might have satsumas, especially if they focus on more unique or seasonal produce. They tend to carry higher-quality fruits, so they could be a good option.
4. Asian or International Markets – Since satsumas are very popular in Japan, you might find them at an Asian or international grocery store. These places often have a variety of citrus fruits that might not be available at regular supermarkets.
5. Online – If you’re not able to find them in stores, you can also check online retailers like Amazon, or even specialty fruit delivery services. Some farms and citrus growers offer to ship fresh satsumas right to your door.
6. Local Citrus Farms – If you’re lucky enough to live near a citrus-growing region, you might be able to buy them directly from the farm. Some farms even offer pick-your-own experiences during harvest time.

Satsumas are usually available during the colder months, so if you’re hunting for them out of season, it might be harder to find. But during peak season, they’re out there, and these places are your best bets.

How To Store Satsumas

Storing satsumas properly helps them stay fresh and juicy for as long as possible. Here are a few tips on how to store them:

Keep Them at Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage)

• Satsumas are best when they’re fresh, so if you’re planning to eat them within a few days, you can leave them out at room temperature. The key is to place them somewhere cool and dry, not in direct sunlight or near heat sources like a stove or radiator. A countertop or a fruit bowl works great for this.
• Avoid putting them in a pile or stacking them too high, as that can cause bruising and lead to faster spoilage. Instead, try to spread them out so air can circulate around each one. They’ll stay nice and juicy for 3 to 5 days.

2. Refrigerate for Longer Freshness (Extended Storage)

• If you’re not planning to eat your satsumas right away, storing them in the fridge is a good option. Refrigeration helps extend their freshness for up to 1-2 weeks.
• Keep them in the crisper drawer, which is specifically designed to maintain optimal humidity levels for fruits and vegetables. It’s also a good idea to place them in a ventilated bag or perforated plastic bag so that air can circulate and prevent excess moisture buildup. Moisture is one of the main causes of mold and spoilage.
• Don’t store them in an airtight plastic bag or container unless you’re planning to use them soon, as this can trap moisture and make them spoil faster.

3. Use a Ventilated Bag (Prevents Moisture and Mold)

• If you don’t have a perforated plastic bag, you can simply use a mesh bag or even a reusable produce bag with small holes to allow for airflow. This helps keep the satsumas dry, preventing the buildup of moisture that could encourage mold to grow.
• Storing your satsumas this way also prevents the skins from getting soft too quickly, keeping them firm and fresh.

4. Don’t Store Them with Other Fruits (Avoid Ethylene Gas)

• Satsumas, like many citrus fruits, release ethylene gas as they ripen. While this gas is natural, it can speed up the ripening of nearby fruits, making them spoil faster.
• To prevent this, it’s best not to store satsumas with other ethylene-sensitive fruits like apples, bananas, and avocados. If possible, store your satsumas separately in their own space, either on the counter or in a different part of the fridge. This way, they won’t hasten the ripening of other produce.

5. Peel and Store Segments (If You’ve Already Started Eating)

• Sometimes, you might peel a satsuma and not finish it. Don’t worry; you can store the leftover segments!
• Place the peeled segments in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but they do lose some of their juice and texture as time passes, so it’s best to eat them sooner rather than later.
• If you notice any excess liquid in the container, drain it out to prevent the segments from becoming mushy.

6. Freezing Satsumas (Long-Term Storage)

• If you’ve got a lot of satsumas and don’t think you’ll finish them in time, freezing is a great option. Freezing helps preserve the fruit for months, but be aware that their texture will change once thawed. They’ll be softer, but the flavor will still be there, especially for smoothies or juicing.
• To freeze satsumas, start by peeling them and separating the segments. Lay the segments in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray and place it in the freezer. This step ensures that the segments don’t stick together as they freeze.
• After a few hours, once they’re frozen solid, transfer the segments to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date, and you can store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• When you’re ready to use them, simply take out the amount you need. You can thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature, but keep in mind that the texture may change, so they’ll be better used in recipes like smoothies or desserts.

By following these storage methods, you can make sure your satsumas stay fresh and delicious for longer, whether you’re enjoying them right away or saving them for later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)