Unshiu

Unshiu, also romanized as unshu, is a cultivar of mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) known for being seedless and easy to peel. It is one of the most widely grown mikan varieties in Japan and is commonly marketed simply as mikan during winter. The name Unshu derives from the Chinese region of Wenzhou (温州), reflecting historical origins of the cultivar in East Asia.

The fruit is medium-sized, with a thin, loose rind that slips off easily. The skin is bright orange when ripe, and the flesh is sweet with low acidity. Most fruit from this cultivar is seedless, though rare seeds may occur.

Unshiu trees are evergreen and relatively cold-tolerant for citrus, allowing cultivation in milder climates and in many parts of Japan. The trees flower in spring and bear fruit in late autumn to winter. It is widely grown in Japanese prefectures such as Ehime, Wakayama, and Shizuoka, among others.

Unshiu mandarins are primarily eaten fresh as winter fruit. Their easy peeling and seedless nature make them a popular choice for households and retailers. They can be stored refrigerated for several weeks under proper conditions. They are also processed into juice or preserved forms in some markets.

The scientific name is Citrus unshiu, and it belongs to the mandarin orange group within Citrus. While commonly called unshiu or unshu, it is distinct from Satsuma and other mandarins, though sometimes confused in casual usage.