Ryu no Namida -Tears of the Dragon, Yuko Ponzu, Kappoutoshi, Japan

Ryu no Namida - Tears of the Dragon - is the name of this fantastic product from Nagasaki, the birthplace of ponzu, this unique Japanese condiment made from shoyu and citrus fruits. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of varieties of ponzu made with a wide range of citrus fruits (of which Japan has over 150 varieties!), but this white shoyu-based ponzu is made with the very rare yuko fruit. It`s so special that Slow Food recognized this fruit as part of its culinary heritage as early as 2008. This citrus fruit has been known in Nagasaki since the Edo period, but currently only about 100 trees remain, growing more or less wild. Similar in fruitiness to yuzu, but slightly sweeter, this fruit was very popular with the Dutch, who lived in Nagasaki from 1641 to 1854. This ponzu was created by Kappoutoshi, a specialty restaurant in Nagasaki serving refined Kappou cuisine. It`s perfect for white fish sashimi, carpaccio, dressings, grilled fish and seafood, and oysters. Tip: Try seasoning raw carrots with this ponzu!