Kanpei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kanpei |
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Unshu mikan (left) and Kanpei (right)
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| Genus | Citrus |
| Species | Citrus reticulata |
| Hybrid parentage | Dekopon x Nishinokaori |
| Cultivar | 'Kanpei' |
| Origin | Japan |
Kanpei, also known as Ehime queen splash, is a special type of Citrus fruit. It first came from Japan.
How Kanpei Was Created
The Kanpei fruit was made by crossing two other citrus types: the Dekopon and the Nishinokaori. This happened in 1991. However, it wasn't officially introduced to the public until August 2007.
What Kanpei Looks Like
The Kanpei tree grows strong and tall. When it starts to grow fruit, it stands straight up. Young Kanpei trees have big, strong thorns. As the tree gets older, these thorns become smaller. The branches that hold fruit usually do not have any thorns at all.
The fruit itself ripens between January and March. Each Kanpei fruit weighs about 0.5 pounds (250 grams). It has a round shape, but it is a bit flattened at the top and bottom, like a small globe.
The skin of the Kanpei is orange and mostly smooth, but it can feel a little bumpy. Inside, the fruit's flesh is a bright orange or even a reddish-orange color. It is very easy to peel, and the skin rarely separates from the fruit inside (this is called puffing).
Kanpei fruit usually does not have seeds. But if other types of citrus trees are growing nearby and pollinate the Kanpei tree, it might have a few seeds. This fruit is firm and has a very sweet, rich taste. It has a sugar content of at least 13 Brix, which is a way to measure sweetness. It also has 1% citric acid, which gives it a little tang. Sometimes, the fruit's skin can crack easily during summer and autumn.
Where Kanpei Is Used
Kanpei fruit is grown and sold mainly in Japan. It is especially popular in Ehime Prefecture. Most people enjoy eating Kanpei fresh, just as it is. Sometimes, it is also used to make delicious desserts.
