Are you familiar with Sumo Oranges, the Japanese citrus sensation that has captured the attention of the United States? Explore all the details about this exceptionally sweet orange, from its health advantages to where you can discover it.
What Are Sumo Oranges?
The Sumo Orange, also referred to as Sumo Citrus, is a fusion of navel oranges, pomelos, and mandarins. This mandarin orange variant stands out for its remarkable sweetness, seedless nature, and convenient peeling. With a size exceeding that of a typical orange, it boasts a thick and textured rind. Originating in Japan in the 1970s under the name Dekopon, it is now cultivated in California’s San Joaquin Valley for the U.S. market.
This large, seedless fruit is easy to peel, resembling a somewhat misshapen orange with a distinctive bumpy texture and a prominent bump on the top, often referred to as a “topknot.”
It’s worth noting that the moniker “Sumo” is, in fact, the trademarked brand name for the citrus variety officially known as shiranui.
History of Sumo Citrus Fruit
Shiranui citrus, known as Dekopon in Japan and Hallabong in Korea, is a hybrid of oranges, satsumas, and mandarins. Originally developed by a Japanese farmer in the 1970s, it made its way to the United States in 1998. Despite its introduction, it didn’t become widely available in the market until 2011 due to the challenging cultivation process. Presently, the majority of Sumo oranges sold in the U.S. are cultivated in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
Sumo citrus, being a result of intricate cultivation, tends to be pricier than other similar varieties. This higher cost is attributed to the fruit’s short seasonal availability and the meticulous care required during the growth and harvesting processes.
Nutritional Content of Sumo Oranges
- Calories: 147g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Added sugars: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Sumo oranges are a notable source of vitamin C, which serves not only as an antioxidant but also contributes to the well-being of bones, connective tissues, and skin.
Connective tissue, crucial for binding and separating organs and tissues, benefits from the presence of vitamin C.
Furthermore, Sumo oranges provide 10% of the daily recommended value for potassium. This mineral plays a vital role in supporting bone, heart, and muscle functions, as well as aiding in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates for energy.
Health Benefits of Sumo Oranges
Sumo oranges share many health benefits with regular oranges, as they both belong to the citrus fruit family. Here are some health advantages of Sumo oranges:
1. Assisting in Blood Sugar Management
Sumo oranges play a role in managing blood sugar levels, primarily attributed to their low glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index measures how quickly foods elevate blood sugar levels, with low GI foods causing a gradual increase and high GI foods leading to rapid spikes.
Sumo oranges, being low on the glycemic index, alongside other citrus fruits, can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes as they help regulate blood sugar levels and mitigate the risk of sudden spikes.
Controlling blood sugar is crucial, as unmanaged high levels can contribute to long-term health complications such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Additionally, elevated blood sugar can complicate the management of blood pressure and cholesterol, both of which are key risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
2. Possibly Shortening Cold Duration
Consuming Sumo oranges might reduce the length and severity of colds due to their high vitamin C content.
Common cold symptoms may encompass:
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Coughing
- Postnasal drip
- Runny or congested nose
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Sneezing
It’s essential to note that vitamin C doesn’t protect against the viruses causing colds. Nevertheless, some evidence suggests that it could potentially reduce the duration of a cold by approximately 10%.
While many individuals meet their vitamin C requirements through their diets, Sumo oranges, as well as berries and other citrus fruits, are rich sources. It’s worth noting that certain supplements offer vitamin C levels exceeding the recommended daily value by up to ten times. However, excess vitamin C is expelled from the body, as it cannot be stored.
3. Naturally Sweet Delight
Sumo oranges boast natural sweetness, containing approximately 29 grams of sugar per fruit without any additional sugar. Unlike foods with added sugars that may satiate sweet cravings but are frequently calorie-rich and nutrient-poor, Sumo oranges offer a naturally sweet option. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends restricting added sugar intake to 6% of daily calories or less.
It’s crucial to note that the natural sugars present in Sumo oranges do not contribute to this limit. These natural sugars come bundled with fiber, minerals, and essential vitamins, contributing to overall health benefits.
4. Potential Risk Reduction for Kidney Stones
There is some indication that the presence of citrate in citrus fruits, such as Sumo oranges, may offer protection against calcium stones.
Calcium stones, prevalent among various types of kidney stones, consist of small crystals found in the kidneys or ureters. The movement of these stones through the ureters can cause intense pain in the back, belly, and groin.
Additional symptoms associated with kidney stones include:
- Blood in the urine
- Chills
- Fever
- Irregular urine color
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Individuals with low citrate levels in their urine face an elevated risk of developing kidney stones. Citrate plays a crucial role by binding with calcium, thereby preventing the formation of these painful stones.
5. Rich in Antioxidants
A single Sumo orange provides approximately 163% of the daily value for vitamin C, a potent antioxidant known for its ability to safeguard against cell damage.
Scientific studies have identified cell damage as a precursor to chronic illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. Therefore, the abundant presence of vitamin C in Sumo oranges underscores their potential role in offering protection against such health threats by combating oxidative stress and supporting cellular health.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Difference Between a Sumo Orange and a Regular Orange?
A Sumo citrus is a variety of mandarin oranges renowned for its remarkable sweetness, seedless nature, and effortless peeling. Notably larger than the typical orange, it sports a thick and textured rind. What sets it apart is a distinctive protruding knob at its stem, affectionately termed a “top knot.” This oversized and flavorful citrus offers a unique combination of taste and convenience, making it a sought-after choice among citrus enthusiasts.
Why Are Sumo Oranges Expensive?
Sumo Citrus, while effortlessly appealing, proves to be the most challenging citrus variety to cultivate. A period of four years, marked by consistent nurturing, is necessary before a Sumo Citrus tree yields any fruit. Contrary to its robust external appearance, this fruit demands a higher level of expertise and delicate treatment compared to other citrus varieties. Each tree undergoes meticulous manual grooming annually and is subsequently handpicked and hand-packed. Even the transportation process is specially designed, utilizing trailers that ensure a gentle, smooth ride for the Sumo Citrus, avoiding any bumps.
Do Different Sized Sumo Citrus Taste The Same?
Sumo Citrus is harvested exclusively when it reaches optimal ripeness. Although the fruit size may vary due to natural factors, the flavor remains consistently exceptional, thanks to our facility’s meticulous screening process. Every piece of fruit undergoes evaluation for flavor, with sugar and acid levels measured. Only those fruits meeting the desired flavor standards make it to the store shelves; any that fall short are excluded from the selection.