also: へべず
hebesu citrus; hebezu
A variety of small, sour citrus fruit grown in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. Often used for juice, ponzu, or eaten fresh. The name is sometimes romanized as hebezu.
In Miyazaki Prefecture, ponzu made with hebesu is popular.
Hebesu is said to have a milder acidity than regular sudachi.
Sudachi is a similar small green citrus, but hebesu is specifically from Miyazaki and has a slightly different flavor profile.
Kabosu is another Japanese citrus, larger and more yellow when ripe, primarily from Oita Prefecture.
Katakana spelling is common for this regional citrus name; usually written in kana.
Alternate katakana spelling reflecting the voiced variant.
Hiragana spelling of the voiced variant.
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used in practice.
The name is traditionally explained as a contraction of 平兵衛酢, combining the personal name 平兵衛 with 酢 “vinegar.” 平兵衛 is said to have found and propagated the citrus in present-day 日向, Miyazaki.