When you think of treasure, the first image that comes to mind is gold coins. In Okinawa, there is one fruit that has come to be associated with “gold”, or “Kugani” in Okinawan, and that is the Shikuwasa fruit.
You may have tried Shikuwasa juice at one point. This citrus fruit grows out of the famous Okinawan limestone rock, growing abundantly in the Yanbaru area in the northern part of the island. In the Omoro Botanical Gardens, you can also find this fruit labeled under its Japanese name, Hirami Lemon.
If you visit the gardens during the winter, you will find trees laden with ripe golden fruit and immediately realize why this tree is associated with the color gold. For those who can’t visit in the winter, take a moment to read the Omoro-saushi song displayed here. The song details a female deity dancing under the Shikuwasa tree which is referred to as the Kogane-ge, or golden tree.
Not all treasures are defined by their outward appearance.
Shikuwasa has always been associated with health and longevity in Okinawan culture. Rich in nutritional value, the unripe green fruit is used in Okinawan dishes as a substitute for vinegar and serves as the base for the Okinawan liqueur Awamori. The golden fruit, once ripened, is enjoyed as a daily snack for children. Recent research has found that the Shikuwasa fruit is packed full of Nobiletin, which backs up rumors of the benefits of this fruit which is tied to health and longevity. The northern village of Ogimi-son, which boasts the longevity and long-life spans of its villagers, is the largest producer of the Shikuwasa fruit. Research continues to be conducted surrounding this miracle fruit.
Okinawan locals also use Shikuwasa when they do laundry. "Okinawa is known for its "banana cloth" made from the fibers of the Japanese banana, which is firm like a plantain. By using the acidity from the Shikuwasa, they can soften this tough fabric, allowing them to remove stains easily.
The “shi” in Shikuwasa means acidity, while “kuwasa” means food. Shikuwasa is a fruit that has supported and blessed the Okinawan people with long lives. Does that not make it a treasure in its own right?
