Plop This Japanese Fruit In Your Bath And Love Winter All Over Again
Just for a moment, imagine a cozy winter night.
Winter has officially begun and the sting of cold air waits just on the other side of the window. But you’re all warm and comfy, because a familiar seasonal scent fills your nose.
What is it? The sweet scent of hot cocoa? Eggnog? Pine tree? Or a smoky fireplace? If you’re like me, just imagining those scents might make your toes wiggle with joy.
All of those are great in my book, but today I want to add a new player to your repertoire of winter pleasures—One that I rediscovered in a small Onsen (hotspring) town in Japan, and in my childhood memories.
I was reintroduced to this time-tested “life hack” the day before winter solstice. It started as a question from a guest at the Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) where I’m working.
“Will there be Yuzu in the Onsen tomorrow?”
…Yuzu in the Onsen? What kind of question is that? I thought to myself.
You might be familiar with Yuzu, the fragrant citrus commonly used in Japan and Korea. You’ve probably seen it used as zest or garnish with seafood, in hot broth, or made into marmalade to drink as hot tea. Its’ scent is like a cross between lemon and a grapefruit, with the shape of a bumpy, thick-skinned yellow orange. The aroma is distinctly unique.
I love Yuzu, but the question of whether there’ll be Yuzu floating in the bath water threw me off. Why would we do that?
After a funny (and slightly embarrasing) moment of confidently announcing NOPE! Then quickly corrected YES! … I learned that here in the town of Kinosaki, it’s common practice to float Yuzu in the Onsen waters on the day of Winter Solstice. Over 3,000 of them to be more specific!
After some digging I realized this practice actually isn’t unique to the town of Kinosaki—it’s practiced all over Japan as a welcoming and transitioning into winter.
And it’s for good reason.
A hot Yuzu bath is said to help heal skin that’s chapped or cracked from the dry winter air, as well as prevent you from catching a cold. Many say it makes their skin soft and warms up their body from the core. Not to mention the refreshing scent that I’m certain will boost your mood in these cold, dreary days.
Once I started talking about “Yuzu-Buro” (Yuzu bath), a sweet memory came back to me from childhood. It was of my mom and I soaking in the bath together, rubbing half rounds of Yuzu on our elbows and heels. They happen to fit perfectly on those pesky corners that seem especially susceptible to dryness during winter.
Not only did it make bath-time fun, it taught me that each season has it’s special charm, if you know how to enjoy it. That nature gives us the medicine and tools needed to turn the discomforts of a season into something to delight in.
In other words: “When life gives you Yuzu… make Yuzu-Buro.”
So go’n and try this warm, cozy trick at home! Don’t worry, you don’t need 3,000 for your bath. Just float a few (whole or cut in half) Yuzu in your steamy hot bath, soak, kick back, and relax. A reason to love winter all over again.
Do this whenever you need a little extra something to brighten up your winter, or if you feel the sniffles coming on.
You should be able to find Yuzu at your local Japanese or Korean grocery store.
You can even make some delicious tea with any left overs you don’t use!
Leave a comment if you try it and let us know what you think!
Happy Winter Solstice, and stay cozy.