Kanro Yuzu Tea Candy (Hachimitsu Yuzu Cha Ame)

This delightful treat is made from yuzu, a citrus fruit peculiar to Japan. Candybowl has never had real yuzu, but is informed that its peel is often used as a garnish, or steeped in water to make a tea.

Unsurprisingly, the initial flavor notes are of citrus, reminiscent of lemon zest. The candy also has a very slight menthol flavor, which Candybowl found very slightly off-putting. Overall, however, the flavor is pleasant.

The center has a more intense flavor, probably because it is made with genuine yuzu peel. It has some solids in it, but the texture is still quite clean. Like most of Kanro's candies, the candy shell has a good crunch with an acceptable amount of residue on the tooth.

Ever-innovative Kanro printed a sweetness/sourness gauge on the package. This confection ranks neutral on sweetness, but "+1" sourness. Sounds about right.

This morsel made Candybowl feel like the Japanese candy industry will never run out of new and delicious ideas. Maybe it will do the same for you(zu).