Wellington grower Neville Chun is unable to meet the increasing demand for yuzu in New Zealand. The fruit, characterized by a tangy and tart profile, derives from ancient Chinese highlands but is widely consumed in China, Japan, and Korea. Chun, recognized as the first commercial yuzu grower in the region, manages a 400-tree orchard in Levin.
Describing the appearance of yuzu, Chun notes its resemblance to a large, lumpy, yellow mandarin. He emphasizes the need for protective gear due to the fruit's aggressive thorns, which can penetrate ordinary gloves. The orchard's maintenance involves meticulous care, with the support of an employee overseeing the operations. Chun, who also cultivates other plants like finger limes and kumquats in Lower Hutt, recalls that his introduction to yuzu began with seeds his late wife brought from Japan.
Initial attempts to grow yuzu from seeds were unsuccessful, leading Chun to obtain trees from a nursery. Despite early challenges such as rabbit predation, he managed to establish a successful operation. Chun also grows and commercializes ume, an ingredient popular for brewers and distillers in the production of umeshu and umeboshi.
The yuzu harvest in New Zealand begins in mid-May and can extend to July, guided by climatic conditions. Despite this, the fruit is often sold out by the end of June due to high market demand. Chefs across New Zealand are integrating yuzu into their culinary creations, seeking its unique zest and flavor profile. One such example is Helen Turnbull, who incorporates yuzu into her restaurant's menu. Her dishes showcase the fruit in diverse ways, highlighting its potential within the culinary scene.
Chun's observations reveal a dynamic growth in New Zealand's cuisine, driven by an appetite for innovative and diverse flavors. As the yuzu industry continues to develop, further expansion through contracted orchards is anticipated. Chun expresses contentment with the current progression but remains open to future possibilities of growth in yuzu production in New Zealand.
Source: The Press