Food · Seasonings
Shikuwasa (Citrus depressa)
シークヮーサー (Shīkwāsā)
Also known as: Hirami lemon, Taiwan tangerine, Flat lemon
At a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Citrus Depressa Fruit Extract |
| Common Japanese notations | シークヮーサー, シークワーサー, ヒラミレモン |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Citrus depressa fruit and peel, native to the Ryukyu Islands) |
| Typical functions | Antioxidant (nobiletin), Bright citrus flavor |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Food ingredient. Cosmetic ingredient under JSCI. Traditional Ryukyu citrus staple. |
Shikuwasa is a small green citrus native to the Ryukyu Islands, known for the highest nobiletin (polymethoxyflavone) concentration among edible citrus fruits. Ogimi Village in northern Okinawa — often discussed in Blue Zone literature — is the largest producing area. Commercial applications span juice, seasoning, and cosmetic aromatics.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Juices
- Ponzu and citrus sauces
- Beverages
- Aromatic cosmetics
What it is
Citrus depressa Hayata is a small, acidic green citrus with a distinctive tart-aromatic profile. The peel and whole fruit are rich in nobiletin and tangeretin; the juice supplies citric acid and characteristic volatile esters.
Commercial forms include fresh juice (100 L batches for beverage processors), dried peel powder, cold-pressed peel oil, and spray-dried extract. Ogimi Village (JA Okinawa branch) is a key production and export hub.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Food and beverage: ponzu vinegar-sauce, juices, carbonated drinks, craft cocktails, and confectionery (tart sweets).
Cosmetics: aromatic citrus compositions, hair tonics, and brightening-positioned leave-on cosmetics.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Food ingredient. Cosmetic ingredient accepted under JSCI.
Farmers-cooperative export activities use the MAFF centralized export certification issuance system.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| USA | GRAS-relevant for citrus; FDA food-facility registration applies for juice exports. |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import rules. Cosmetic use follows CosIng; verify citrus-photosensitivity guidance. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification. The Ogimi-mura shikuwasa GI application status should be checked before referencing it as GI-protected.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Related ingredients
References
- Okinawa Prefectural Agricultural Research Center — Shikuwasa nobiletin studies
- JA Okinawa — Ogimi-mura shikuwasa export program
Last updated: 2026-04-23. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.