noun
iyokan; Citrus iyo
A Japanese citrus fruit, similar to a mandarin orange, with a distinctive sweet-tart flavor and a slightly thick peel. Commonly eaten fresh or used in juices and desserts.
冬になると、いよかんが店頭に並び始める。
When winter comes, iyokan start appearing in stores.
このいよかんは甘くてとてもジューシーだ。
This iyokan is sweet and very juicy.
Named after the former Iyo Province (now Ehime Prefecture), where it was first cultivated. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to be a natural hybrid discovered in the late 19th century.