Choosing, Storing, and Cooking with Sumo Mandarins

    Sumo is the brand name of what’s known elsewhere as the dekopon. The Sumo is a cross between a honey orange and a fruit that itself is a cross between a sweet orange and a mandarin. It’s a medium-sized, bright orange citrus fruit, most easily distinguished by the tell-tale bump on the top. (The name likely comes from the topknot hairstyle worn by sumo wrestlers.) The dekopon dates back to 1972 in Japan.

  • Choosing

    Always pick fruit that is heavy for its size, that means it will be juicy! If the Sumo orange has a slight give with a gentle squeeze, it's ready to peel and enjoy. Sumo's naturally have bumpy skin and can develop slight blemishes such as discoloration, scarring, or spotting. These are all just cosmetic and do not impact the flavor.

  • Storing

    Store Sumo citrus in the fruit and veggie drawer in your refrigerator ensuring they have enough air circulation. In the proper environment, Sumo's should last around a week in the fridge.

sumo mandarins, seasonal citrus, west seattle thriftway

Chocolate Covered Sumo Mandarins

Ingredients

  • 5 sumo mandarin oranges

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate chips

  • sea salt or coarse salt

  • 1 teaspoon shortening, optional

  • Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside. Peel the mandarin oranges.

  • In a microwave safe bowl or with the help of a double boiler, melt chocolate chips and add shortening, if desired. Adding shortening is optional - it helps make the chocolate super smooth and easier to work with. Using only melted chocolate will work fine as well.

  • Dip each slice halfway into the melted chocolate and place on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and repeat until all slices are evenly coated and sprinkled with salt. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until chocolate has hardened. Enjoy!

  • Recipe From: Delicious Yum!

chocolate dipped sumo mandarins