Kawachi Bankan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kawachi Bankan |
|
|---|---|
Kawachi Bankan fruit on tree
|
|
| Genus | Citrus |
| Species | Citrus kawachiensis or Citrus maxima |
| Cultivar | Kawachi Bankan |
| Origin | Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan |
Kawachi Bankan (Citrus kawachiensis) is a special type of citrus fruit. It's also known by other names like Mishokan and Uwa Gold. This fruit is a hybrid, which means it's a mix of two different kinds of citrus plants. People grow it because its fruit is delicious to eat!
Contents
What is Kawachi Bankan?
Kawachi Bankan is a unique citrus fruit that looks a bit like a grapefruit. It's grown for its juicy and tasty fruit.
How it's Made: A Hybrid Fruit
Scientists have found that Kawachi Bankan is a mix of two different citrus fruits. Think of it like a plant having parents from two different fruit families! One type is a mix of ujukitsu and another unknown plant. The other type is a mix of yuge-hyoukan and another unknown plant.
Where Does it Grow?
This fruit first came from Japan, where it is still grown today. It is also grown in the United States.
What Does it Look Like and Taste Like?
The Kawachi Bankan fruit was first found in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, in 1910. Since the 1980s, more and more farms have started growing this fruit.
Fruit Appearance
The fruits are quite large, usually weighing about 0.6 to 1.1 pounds (300 to 500 grams). They are slightly cone-shaped. Most of them have a small bump near the stem. Inside, they have only a few seeds.
Peel and Flesh
The rind (skin) of the fruit is thick and a bit bumpy. It is bright yellow. The fruit's inside, called the flesh, is also yellow.
Flavor and Juiciness
The flavor of Kawachi Bankan is sweet with a little bit of sourness, making it very refreshing. It is also super juicy!
The Tree
The tree itself has many branches close together. Its leaves are oval-shaped. The fruit ripens late in the season. In Japan, it is usually ready to be shipped and sold at the end of May.
Sweet Treats with Kawachi Bankan
This fruit is so popular that it has even been used in candy! A special, limited-edition flavor of the Japanese candy called Hi-Chew was made using the Kawachi Bankan fruit.
Where Can You Find It?
While it used to be sold in the United States, it is no longer available there for commercial sale. However, you can still buy Kawachi Bankan in Japan.
