Can I cook with the peel?
JA Hiroshima describes Setoda Eco Lemon® as certified under Hiroshima Prefecture's special cultivation scheme, with no fungicide or wax treatment. If you plan to use the peel, tell us when you enquire and we will advise which category we can supply.1
Is “specially cultivated” the same as organic or pesticide-free?
No. Specially cultivated produce is grown with the number of synthetic pesticide applications and the nitrogen from chemical fertiliser both reduced to half or less of usual local practice. It does not mean no pesticides are used, and it is separate from Japan's organic (JAS) certification.2
Are green and yellow lemons different varieties?
No. Green lemons are the same fruit picked early; yellow lemons have ripened on the tree. Green offers aroma and a clean acidity; yellow offers more juice and a mellower acidity.10
Are they available all year?
The growers combine open-field fruit (October to May) with greenhouse and stored lemons so that they can also ship in summer. Timing and volumes vary from year to year, and it does not mean freshly picked fruit all year round. Tell us when you need lemons and we will check.91213
Are the stored summer lemons frozen?
No. They are lemons picked in January and February, individually wrapped in freshness-preserving film and kept chilled.13
How should I wash them before use?
Rub gently under running water and dry before use.
How should I store them, and how long do they keep?
Keep them chilled and protected from drying out. Shelf life depends on the season and condition of the fruit, so we give guidance with each delivery.
Can I choose size and grade? What about price?
Grades, packing, pricing and minimum order vary with the season and your intended use. We will advise once we know how you plan to use the lemons and roughly how many you need.
Can you ship outside Japan?
We welcome enquiries from abroad. Whether and how we can export depends on the destination and the season, so please get in touch and we will check.
