Kuno Wase Satsuma

Description

Kuno Wase (Kuno Wase Satsuma) is a very early-ripening Wase Satsuma — often the very first mandarin to start ripening each season and among the first citrus harvested at all — which makes it firmly Very Early on the relative NZ mandarin scale. Fruit are very large for a Satsuma with smooth, easy-peeling skin in the classic flat Satsuma shape. With NZ connections running deep — the US collection's budwood came from New Zealand via A. Harty — it is well proven in local conditions, and related Kawano Wase selections have shown they can hold on the tree into August here. Satsuma fruit are mostly seedless with the signature puffy rind that lifts cleanly off the flesh, and flavour is sweet and juicy once fully matured on the tree; as with all Satsumas, fruit that has just coloured is still tangy, so leave it to sweeten. Best for fresh dessert eating at the opening of the season. Thin young trees to establish them, plant in full sun, and protect from harsh frost while young.