Why source from Japan
Tokushima monopolises sudachi cultivation; long-standing matsutake dashi pairing anchors fine-dining export demand.
Key spec
Citric acid 6-9%; aromatic peel terpenes high; classical pairing matsutake-sudachi.
Typical end-product
Matsutake dashi, ponzu, fine-dining citrus garnish, peel-oil cosmetic and fragrance.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 100 L juice; 10–50 kg peel; 5–25 kg powder
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Tokushima (>95%)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- August – October
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; Tokushima regional brand
- INCI name
- Citrus Sudachi Peel Extract
- Japanese name
- 酢橘
- Romaji
- 酢橘
About this ingredient
Small green sour citrus (Citrus sudachi) produced in Tokushima Prefecture (>95% of national volume). Distinguished from kabosu and yuzu by its small size (~30g), sharper acidity, and intensely aromatic peel. Used in matsutake mushroom dashi (its classical pairing), Japanese udon and soba, ponzu sauces, and as a fine-dining garnish over sashimi. The peel oil is increasingly used in cosmetic and fragrance applications. A Tokushima Prefecture protected regional brand.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; Tokushima regional brand |
|---|---|
| EU | Food / cosmetic; CosIng listed (Citrus Sudachi Peel Extract) |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice |
| China | GACC food facility registration |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Sudachi (Tokushima Sour Citrus) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Shikuwasa (Citrus depressa)
シークヮーサー
Citrus depressa Hayata source; INCI Citrus Depressa Fruit Extract; MOQ from 100 L (fresh juice); 1-10 kg (extract).
Plant-based· shares 4 categories
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
ガラクトミセス発酵濾液
INCI Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate; MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Yuzu / Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
柚子エキス
INCI Citrus Junos Fruit Extract / Citrus Junos Peel Oil; MOQ from 5–20 kg (extract); 5–20 L (essential oil).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Sudachi (Tokushima Sour Citrus) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
ガラクトミセス発酵濾液
INCI Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate; MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Yuzu / Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
柚子エキス
INCI Citrus Junos Fruit Extract / Citrus Junos Peel Oil; MOQ from 5–20 kg (extract); 5–20 L (essential oil).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Matcha Powder
抹茶
MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
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Last updated: 2026-05-05