Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Satsuma, meet Kishu.

Kishu, 2012

I've tasted my first Kishu. Satsuma now has a rival. Kishu Mandarins are smaller than Satsuma Mandarins, they are even smaller than Page Mandarins. Almost bite-size. No seeds. They are rumored to be easy to peel, but it's all a matter of perspective. The Kishu is not as easy to peel as the Satsuma, but much easier than the Page. They are not as juicy as the Page, but juicier than the Satsumas I've eaten lately. If the two Kishus I've eaten today represent the typical, I prefer their overall taste to both the Satsuma and the Page. Luckily I have three more.

Kishu
Satsuma
Page
Posted by Denise | Chez Danisse at 12:58 PM
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20 comments:

  1. cha senJanuary 24, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    I like your meanderings on the citrus very much. :-)

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  2. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 24, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    Everyone needs a break once in a while from deep thought, right?

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  3. JanisJanuary 24, 2012 at 4:13 PM

    Glad you have it figured out, I can never remember the exact qualities. I just call them all "tangerines" and take my chances when buying.

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  4. ClairJanuary 24, 2012 at 5:41 PM

    Ah, I've never tried a kishu OR a satsuma OR a page, but all sound amazing and I feel so deprived!

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  5. ChristopherJanuary 24, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    Denise, you may have a problem. What about your new designer San Pellegrino flavors, Blood Orange and Grapefruit? I'm afraid to leave the house for my trip, since I have vision of returning home to find you in our bay window, passed out on a bed of citrus peels. (Kind of like Chocolat.)

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  6. KateJanuary 25, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    Kishu is far more appealing a word than satsuma so a little extra peeling effort seems acceptable. Is that kishu lying upon one of your ceramics?

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  7. TracyJanuary 25, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    And then there were none.

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  8. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 25, 2012 at 7:51 AM

    Janis, I used to do the same, but then I liked the seedless, and then the easy to peel, and now here I am...

    Clair, Well, I hope you see them during your next market visit. I'm sure you'd enjoy all three.

    Christopher, Oh yes, this could happen. You know me well.

    Kate, Yes, this little Kishu is resting upon a big shallow bowl I made. I miss making pottery...

    Tracy, So true. They were gone before we went to sleep last night.

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  9. KateJanuary 25, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    Wow. That bowl is gorgeous. I love the undulating texture and lustre. Maybe if you found a new teacher..?

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  10. RachelJanuary 26, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    I love that when I come to your space, I never know what is going to be here! Today, the ins and outs of winter citrus. ;)

    How long since you've made pottery?

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  11. LeciawpJanuary 26, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    I never pay that much attention to the names of what I buy; I choose on how they look. I have noticed variation in flavor, and had some small ones in December that were amazing. Wondering now if they were Kishu? Will pay more attention from now on!

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  12. amelia from z tasty lifeJanuary 26, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    the secret of immortality in the asparagus, used to say my dad...

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  13. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 26, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    Kate, Or my own space and wheel...

    Rachel, Good question. I think it's been a couple of years.

    Lecia, I didn't pay much attention for many years and then started after tasting a Satsuma, basically because I wanted more.

    amelia, Your dad seems a very intriguing man. I wonder what he used to say about citrus.

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  14. MollyJanuary 26, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    I love the specificity. I keep shelves of guides in my house, just to let me know how to hone. Also, Maya loves citrus of all sorts, so our house smells spiced.

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  15. Teresa, foodonfifthJanuary 27, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    I have never seen a Kishu before or even heard of one, but I will keep my eyes open in the markets. Satsumas are very popular here in the Southern United States and are very juicy and satisfying. Thanks for bringing the Kishu to my attention. Beautiful photo.

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  16. Elsa MayJanuary 27, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    Hmmm sounds rather nice, I shall have a look at New Seasons this afternoon...thank you for the recommendation.

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  17. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 27, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    Molly, Young Maya is wise.

    Teresa, I thought I knew my mandarins until I saw this http://www.cuesa.org/food/mandarins today. I have a lot to learn (taste).

    Annie, Hope you find some citrus you like. Enjoy.

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  18. GraciaJanuary 27, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Enjoy your winter citrus frenzy,
    From someone with a large bowl of green grapes before them.

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  19. nancy at good food mattersFebruary 1, 2012 at 6:47 AM

    I love the Citrus Report, courtesy of Chez Danisse. I'll keep a lookout for the Kishu. New in my citrus world is the Cara Cara--almost ruby grapefruit in color, but still orangey in flavor.

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  20. Denise | Chez DanisseFebruary 1, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    Gracia, Grapes are lovely too. Enjoy.

    nancy, Mmm. Good reminder. Thanks. I do like Cara Cara oranges. I think I'll look for some today.

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