The Softer Side

Yuzu finds a comfortable home on the dessert side of the menu, playing well with strawberry, raspberry, matcha, cinnamon, mocha and so much more. It’s finding its way into chain concepts now, with sweets offering a safe adventure to consumers. At Pinkberry, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., the Yuzu Meringue frozen yogurt combines the punchy citrus flavor of yuzu with an airy meringue, then tops it with crumbled pie crust and fresh raspberries.

Beverage is another frontier that yuzu has crossed into. Of course, yuzu in cocktails isn’t new, but it’s now jumping into the coffee category. Breadbelly, a progressive café in San Francisco, highlights yuzu’s refreshing profile in its Sparkling Yuzu Americano, featuring espresso and sparkling yuzu soda served over ice.

Flavors on the Edge is an ongoing series that explores emerging ingredients poised to become high-impact flavor builders.