Why You Should Be Buying Sumo Citrus RIGHT NOW

I have a Cuties problem. Okay, I have a Cuties problem and I have a problem with Cuties. My Cuties problem is that I’m hooked on those little easy-to-peel clementines like a drug and could eat them all day every day. My problem with Cuties, however, is that they’re too damn small. One time I had to google “how many Cuties can you eat without getting sick” to make sure I didn’t make myself physically ill by eating too many Cuties (apparently, the answer is five…if you’re weak of will). 

Between the months of January and May, my Cuties problem becomes much more manageable. Why? That’s when Sumo Citrus is in season. If you’re not familiar, Sumo Citrus, it’s a hybrid of mandarins, satsumas, and oranges that was first developed in Japan in the 1970s. Sumo seedlings were first brought to the U.S. in 1998 and they’re now grown in California’s Central Valley by experts who can navigate weather, irrigation, and soil health to make sure they’re up to snuff.

What makes Sumo citrus special? 

So, so many things:

• The “top knot.” Sumo Citrus have a lovely knob at the top. It’s a very pleasing little protrusion and it makes them even easier to peel. Just grab that knob and start peeling. 
• They’re easy to peel. Okay, I know I just said that, but it’s not just the knob. Their rutted, pocked-looking peels are pretty loosey-goosey, which makes them extremely easy to peel. Nothing ruins my day more quickly than a hard-to-peel orange. 
• They’re pretty much seedless. Like, Cuties, Sumo Citrus are pretty much seedless. Sure, you might get a stray seed every now and then, but you don’t need a spit cup nearby. 
• An ideal sweetness-to-acid ratio. Sumo is definitely sweeter than other orange cultivars and a little less acidic, too, but they’re not so sweet or so low acid that they fail to taste bright and punchy. They’re pretty much perfect. 

Sumo Citrus embodies everything that’s wonderful about Cuties, but they’re a normal size for an adult to snack on. Sure, I could still eat two in one sitting, but I don’t feel cheated if I only have one. Unfortunately, I do feel cheated during the nine months out of the year when I can’t get my hands on these things.