Yuzu

Production

Harvest

Yuzu (Citrus junos) is an ancient citrus fruit resulting from a cross between a wild mandarin and an Ichang lime (Citrus ichangensis). Originating from the mountainous regions of China and Tibet, it was introduced to Japan and Korea between the 6th and 8th centuries, where it is now an integral part of culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic traditions.

This fruit, capable of withstanding negative temperatures, is grown in temperate climate regions, primarily in Japan, South Korea, and certain areas of China. It is harvested while still green in the fall for its tangy and refreshing aroma, or yellow when fully ripe for its intensely fragrant juice and zest rich in essential oils.

Highly aromatic, yuzu is particularly sought after for its zesty, fresh, and slightly bitter note, evoking a subtle blend of grapefruit, mandarin, and lime. This unique olfactory profile makes it a valuable raw material in perfumery.

Manufacturing

We source our yuzu essential oil from a local grower-distiller partner, renowned for their expertise and the quality of their production.

The extraction of this essential oil follows a cold-pressing process, specifically adapted for citrus fruits to preserve their delicate and volatile aromas. Here are the key steps of this process:

• Hand-picking of fully ripe fruits, usually in late autumn, when the zest is rich in aromatic compounds.

• Sorting and washing of the yuzus to remove impurities and prepare the fruits for extraction.

• Cold mechanical pressing of the zest (without heating) to release the essences contained in the oil glands of the zest.

• Natural decantation of the mixture to separate the essential oil from the aqueous phase and plant residues.

• Filtration and packaging to preserve the olfactory qualities.

This unheated extraction method allows for obtaining a fresh essence that faithfully reflects the scent of the fresh fruit, highly sought after in fine perfumery.

Application

Yuzu essential oil is a precious raw material in perfumery, highly appreciated for its fresh, slightly bitter, and intensely zesty citrus facets, resembling green mandarin and grapefruit, with a unique signature.

Its complex composition gives it a bright, effervescent opening, ideal for invigorating the top notes of a fragrance, while offering a longer-lasting hold compared to other citrus oils, due to its naturally higher concentration of limonene, γ-terpinene, and β-phellandrene.

Common applications in perfumery:

• Integrated into fresh eaux de toilette or modern colognes, where it provides a sophisticated citrus burst, subtly green and aromatic.

• Used to enhance floral hearts (orange blossom, neroli, jasmine) or fruity accords (pear, apple, peach), giving them a natural glow.

• Employed in woody, chypre, or oriental bases, where it contrasts with darker notes to create balanced and refined compositions.

• Sometimes chosen to create cocktail or "mojito" accords, in playful and contemporary citrus creations.

A true signature ingredient in Japanese or Mediterranean-inspired creations, yuzu essential oil charms with its versatility, bold freshness, and modernity, while staying true to a millennia-old olfactory tradition.

Aromatherapy :

Main components:

• Limonene: 75 to 80%

• γ-terpinene: 8 to 10%

• Linalool: < 2%

• Myrcene: < 2%

• α-phellandrene: < 2%

Technical and regulatory

Usage tips

Manual:

Fragrance ingredient. Keep out of reach of children. Do not apply directly to the skin. Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women, or by young children (under 6).

Consult our guides: storage and preservation methods and precautions for use