Happy New Year!!!! Welcome to 2018. We are going to get 2018 off to a big start. You could say it’s so big, its SUMO!!! That’s right citrus fans — Sumo Citrus season is here. This mandarin is so good it’s got me still singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” even after all the presents have been unwrapped and the tree is laying outside on my front porch (come get it if ya like!). Unwrapping Sumo is like unwrapping a present – a sweet, rich flavorul orangey present.
I am super passionate about hooking people up with sources of awesome foods. Each year I share where to find them and where people are finding them (you can help by leaving a comment below of where you find them).
Frequently Asked Sumo Questions
Before we get into locations where you may find Sumo Citrus this season, I wanted to go over some frequently asked questions.
How Do Sumos Compare to Honeybells?
I have had people ask if Sumos and Honeybells – the popular tangelo from Florida are the same fruit. They are definately not. Honeybells are type of tangelo, just like a Mineola. Yes they do both have a similar top. Honeybells and Mineolas tender to be smaller in size with a dark, smoother skin. They are also much harder to peel. The only reason thing is common is the nob on top of the fruit.
Can you buy a tree?
No you can’t cannot. Sorry. Learn more about why by reading the Sumo Citrus story.
Does Wegmans carry Sumo Citrus?
Absolutely. They are big supporters of Sumos, maybe not as much as Whole Foods, but big supporters none the less. Full list of stores below.
Are Sumos a Tangerines, Mandarin, or Orange?
I have seen Sumo marketed as all three as a mandarin, tangerine, and an orange. I would say it’s a mandarin. A very large mandarin, the size of an orange. It is called Sumo Citrus, which calling it a variety of citrus is definitely accurate.
The original Japanese name for Sumo Citrus is Dekopan. If you look up Dekopan you will see that it is a hybrid between a Kiyomi and Ponkan. Kiymoi is considered a tangor. A tangor is a cross between a mandarin and a sweet orange. Ponkans are a cross between a mandarin and a Pomelo. Anyway there is a lot going on in the genetic background of a Sumo, so maybe just calling it Sumo Citrus simplifies it all.
Do You Have any Sumo Citrus recipes?
These are a couple recipes I came up with that utilize Sumo Citrus. I plan to add more in the future.
SUMO Citrus Fudge
SUMO Citrus Sugar Cookies
When is Sumo Mandarin Season?
Generally runs from January through early April or so. They have gotten earlier has the crop has matured. Supplies have increased as well, so you can find them for a longer time. They are the featured variety for my Citrus Season Passport for the month of February.
How to Send/Order Sumo Citrus
People have asked can Sumos be shipped? They currently are not being offered for direct purchase or online sales. If that option becomes available I update you.
Can You Use Sumo Citrus Zest?
Yes you can. I have used it in two recipes (for fudge and for cookies). You can also use it on chicken, in salad dressings, and anything else you would use orange zest for. As Sumos are on the expensive side (click here to read why) you might as well get the most bang for your buck and use the zest in your cooking.
Should I Store Sumo Citrus in the Fridge?
Yes. That will extend their life. If you plan to eat them right away, you don’t need to worry about it.
Where Can I Buy Sumo Citrus trees?
You can’t. They can only be grown by license growers. Click here to read why.
When are Sumo oranges due in stores?
As I mentioned earlier as the trees have matured they are producing fruit earlier and earlier. Now you can expect them just after the beginning of the new year in early to mid January.
Where to Find Sumo Citrus in 2018
The list of locations below are stores that have carried Sumo Citrus in the past, so there is a good chance you will see them there again in 2018. As I hear about locations, I will post confirmed sightings in parenthesis next to the name of the store. You can help me with that by leaving a comment at the bottom letting me know where you found them.
Southern California
Galleria Market / HK Market
Gelson’s Markets
Koreatown Plaza Market
Whole Foods Market
Nijiya Market
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Grow – The Produce Shop
Bristol Farms
Marukai
Northern California
Sigona’s Farmers Market
Berkeley Bowl Marketplace
Market Hall
Old McDonald’s Farmers Market
Capitola Village Market
Monterey Market
Andronico’s Community Markets
Whole Foods Market
Lunardi’s Markets
Zanotto’s Family Markets
Nugget Markets
Piazza’s Fine Foods
Draeger’s Market
Safeway (select Northern California locations)
DeMartini Orchard
Nijiya Market
Outside California
Roth’s Fresh Market
Dan’s Fresh Supermarket
Nijiya Market
Baldor Specialty Foods
Rouses
Times Supermarket – Hawaii
Super 1 Foods Idaho, Montana
Earthfare Market
Safeway (Select Locations)
Kroger (Select Locations)
Brookshire’s
Lunds/Byerly’s
Gourmet Garage
Fresh Direct
Zupan’s Markets
Brennan’s Country Farm Market
Fortinos
Jungle Jim’s International Market
Wegman’s Food Markets
H Mart
Assi/Lotte
Metropolitan Market
West Side Markets
The Fresh Market
Whole Foods Market
Foodland & Sack & Save Supermarkets Hawaii
Reasors
Town & Country Markets
Dorothy Lane Market
Eataly NYC
QFC
Want to be able to find great citrus varieties all season long? Find out how to download my FREE citrus season guide.
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