The Sumo Citrus Mandarin has taken the country by storm. Learn all about why this piece of fruit is so awesome, where they are grown, and where you can buy them.
I absolutely love fruit that has a story behind it.
What better a fruit story than a three decade long labor of love!
That is what we have with Sumo mandarins also labeled as SUMO Citrus.
They discovered a tangerine-orange hybrid that had major potential. Trouble was that it was not easy to grow. So it took 3 decades to perfect it, but perfect it they did.
They had to use different growing techniques and styles of pruning, but the dream of an orange that would peel as easy as a Satsuma but be big and juicy like a California Navel oranges was realized.
Check out my post on the story of Sumo Citrus
The name "Sumo" was an American invention. It is called a Dekopon in Japan, but the name was changed when it came to California.
The large size of the fruit and the shape of the top of the fruit which resembles the hair style of a sumo wrestler seem to be the inspiration for the name. Easier to market something to the American public as a Sumo rather than a Dekopon.
💲 How Much Do They Cost?
Sumo madarins were first released nationwide in 2012. As with a new fruit it takes times for the trees to grow and produce sizable crops. Availability is limited and the price is higher than most mandarins you will find this winter. At Whole Foods in 2012, I paid $2.49 a pound. In 2013 it was $2.99 a pound. At the Produce Station in Ann Arbor, they are selling for $3.99 a pound. But if you think those prices are higher than be thankful you are buying them in a Tokyo gift shop where they can go for eight dollars....a piece!!
In more recent years I have seen them sold at Kroger stores for 2 for $3 or as low as $1 a piece when they were on sale.
🏄♂️ Where Are They Grown?
Sumo mandarins are grown in Central California by several different growers. You can read more about these growers at the official Sumo Citrus website. It's nice to be able to put a face to the growers.
Sumos are packed and shipped by Suntreat Packing & Shipping Co.
I have found some Dekopan (Sumo is only used as a trademark by Suntreat) that were grown in Florida in the winter of 2020. The name of them was "Shiranuhi". The skin color looked different look most Florida citrus does. And they are more likely to have seeds.
📋 My Ratings
Here are my ratings from 1-10 (highest)
| Sweetness | 8 |
| Acidity | 4 |
| Flavor | 10 |
| Juiciness | 8 |
When I first unpeeled the fruit, which the peel came off easily - you can do it in one piece if your good. When I saw beneath looked disappointing at first glance. I thought it looked like it was going to be dry and stringy. Again shows that looks aren't everything.
It was a juicy, flavor explosion in my mouth. The flavor is unique. My wife feel like it had kind of a orange sherbet or orange & cream kind of flavor, but with a bit more tartness than you find in those treats.
The membranes covering the segments are exceptionally thin, which I think helps the flavor to stand out even more. This is a must have citrus of the season!
Use the zest to make sugar cookies or fudge!
📦 Can You Buy Them Online?
Yes. You can purchase them online from Harry & David.
🛒 Where Else to Buy
Here are some stores you can look for Sumo Citrus in:
Southern California
- Greenland Supermarket
- Whole Foods Market
- Whole Foods
- Grow – The Produce Shop
- Santa Monica Farmers Market (every Wednesday)
- Mitsuwa Marketplace
- Nijiya Market
- Koreatown Plaza Market
- Gelson's Markets
- Bristol Farms
- Marukai
- Assi Super
Northern California
- Andronico's Community Markets
- Nugget Markets
- Whole Foods Market
- Berkeley Bowl Marketplace
- Capitola Village Market
- Zanotto's Family Markets
- Lunardi's Markets
- Monterey Market
- Nijiya Market
- Old McDonald's Farmers Market
- Safeway (select Northern California locations)
- Draeger's Market
Outside California
- The Produce Station (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
- Metropolitan Market
- West Side Markets
- Reasors
- Fresh Direct
- H Mart
- Whole Foods Market
- Town & Country Markets
- Nijiya Market
- Brennan's Country Farm Market
- Central Market
- Wegman's Food Markets
- Jungle Jim's International Market
- Rouses
- Baldor Specialty Foods
- Fortinos
- Eataly NYC
- Lunds/Byerly's
- Gourmet Garage
- Roth's Fresh Market
- Dan's Fresh Supermarket
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That is one weird looking orange! Expensive too! But the way you described it sounded like it is worth the trip and getting weirded out by it's appearance. How is this compared to other fruit hybrids though?
Best oranges every!
Probably the best fruit I have ever eaten, juicy, sweet, fresh!! Only problem is they are only available for about a month and a half, I'd like to grow my own tree!
Absolutely the best citrus on the market! Even little kids can peel it perfectly in just a few seconds. It is so juicy and delicious, better tasting than any other citrus. Much like an orange, but a little more tart. No seeds! I cannot keep them in the fridge. The family just eats them up! A little pricey, but when I see my children scarfing them up instead of less healthy options, I figure they are worth it.
My Husband and I have been enjoying the Sumos for over a month now. Sooooo Good! This morning I found my first seed in one. Are there any hints on how to start a "Sun Room" plant? (Oregon is such a cool and wet state) Thanks, Bob n Vivian
I bought one at Wegman's. They are charging 3 bucks each. Sweet and good but not worth that kind of money.