Shikwasa” is a fruit grown in the full sun of Okinawa and is attracting attention for the health power hidden in its small fruit.
Because of its fresh aroma and unique sourness, it is widely used in seasonings and juices.
In this issue, we will carefully introduce why Shikwasa, the pride of Okinawa, is attracting attention, the origin of its name, its deep relationship with Okinawa’s longevity culture, the amazing effects of the remarkable ingredient nobiletin, and the latest university research.
- 1 What is shikwasa in the first place?
- 2 Why did Shikwasa become a specialty in Okinawa?
- 3 The origin of the name Shikwasa and the secret of its notation
- 4 Deep relationship between Okinawa's longevity culture and Shikwasa
- 5 The amazing effects of "Nobiletin", a remarkable health ingredient!
- 5.1 Natural Ingredients for Brain Health
- 5.2 2) Anticancer effects｜Potential to inhibit growth of cancer cells
- 5.3 3) Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Effects｜A New Ally to Fight Lifestyle-related Diseases
- 5.4 4) Effect on improvement of pollakiuria｜Confirmed by University of the Ryukyus in a clinical trial
- 5.5 5) Other Noteworthy Health Benefits｜Wide Range of Studies Underway
- 6 Summary of the latest research by Japanese universities｜Science proves the amazing health benefits of Shikwasa!
- 7 Background of the nationwide boom in Shikwasa
- 8 Attractiveness of Shikwasa from Nutritional Composition Data
- 9 Shikwasa Season and How to Buy the Delicious Fruit
- 10 Recommended way to drink Shikwasa undiluted solution
- 11 Recommended cooking recipes using Shikwasa
- 12 summary
- 13 Climate and Clothing by Month
- 14 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
- 15 special feature article
What is shikwasa in the first place?
Shikwasa (Hirami lemon) is a small citrus fruit representative of Okinawa.
The green berries are highly acidic and turn orange when ripe.
Its refreshing acidity and aroma make it popular as a juice, a seasoning for cooking, and a souvenir.
It is a common agricultural product found everywhere in Yanbaru, northern Okinawa.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
Why did Shikwasa become a specialty in Okinawa?
Okinawa’s unique climate and soil
Okinawa has a warm and humid subtropical climate, and its limestone soil is ideal for citrus cultivation.
Ogimi Village in northern Okinawa and the Katsuyama district in Nago City are especially the largest production areas in the prefecture.
Fruit loved since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Shikwasa has been deeply rooted in the lives of local people since the days of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
It has been used in cooking since ancient times, and through ingenuity in cultivation and breeding, it has developed into one of Okinawa’s representative agricultural products.
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The origin of the name Shikwasa and the secret of its notation
Name means “fruit that feeds on acid.”
The name “Shikwasa” is a combination of “shi” (acid) and “kwasun” (to feed) in the Okinawan dialect.
As the name suggests, it reflects the Okinawan food culture that utilizes acidity in cooking.
Difference between “Shikwasa” and “Shikwasa.”
The official notation is “shikwasa” with a small “wa,” but “shikwasa” and other such designations are also common in products.
Since the reading is unified by “seekers,” it does not matter which one you use.
Deep relationship between Okinawa’s longevity culture and Shikwasa
Eating Habits that Supported Healthy Longevity in Okinawa
Okinawa is known as one of the world’s longest-living regions.
Behind this is a low-sodium, vegetable-based diet, in which shikwasa has also played an important role.
The “Okinawan way of eating” to cut back on salt
Eating sashimi, pork dishes, and juices with shikwasa juice will naturally reduce salt intake.
A long-lived resident of Ogimi Village in northern Okinawa says, “Shikwasa in everything.
It is so much a part of our lives that we “spend a lot of time on it,” he says.
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The amazing effects of “Nobiletin”, a remarkable health ingredient!
The main reason why Shikwasa has been in the limelight nationwide in recent years is the polyphenol component called “nobiletin” abundantly contained in the peel.
Nobiletin is a rare polyphenol called “polymethoxyflavonoid,” and Shikwasa contains significantly more of it than other citrus fruits.
Its content is said to be 10 times higher than that of Onshu mandarins, and its various health benefits have been scientifically proven.
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Natural Ingredients for Brain Health
Shikwasa’s nationwide boom was triggered by its dementia-preventing and memory-enhancing effects due to nobiletin.
A hot topic on TV!
In the 2019 broadcast of Takeshi’s Family Medicine, it was introduced that nobiletin protects brain cells and reduces inflammation in the brain, the cause of dementia.
After this broadcast, Shikwasa juice attracted so much attention that it was in short supply nationwide.
Scientifically proven in human clinical trials at the University of Shizuoka
A study at the University of Shizuoka Prefecture (2020) proved that daily consumption of nobiletin by elderly people over 65 years of age significantly improves, among other things, visual memory (the ability to see and remember).
This research has led to scientific recognition that nobiletin is useful in preventing dementia and maintaining cognitive function.
2) Anticancer effects｜Potential to inhibit growth of cancer cells
Nobiletin has also been reported to have anticancer effects. Particular attention has been paid to its preventive effects against skin cancer and colon cancer.
Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences Research Results (Animal Experiments)
A research group led by Professor Sashida of Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences reported that the incidence of skin cancer was reduced by about 75% in mice treated with nobiletin.
Cell-level studies have also confirmed that nobiletin exhibits potent anticancer activity that suppresses cancer cell growth.
Further research is expected to lead to the possibility of using nobiletin as a cancer-preventive food.
3) Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Effects｜A New Ally to Fight Lifestyle-related Diseases
Nobiletin is expected to prevent obesity and diabetes, which are major health issues for people today.
Obesity prevention effect (works on fat cells)
Nobiletin acts directly on fat cells, reducing fat accumulation and promoting lipid metabolism.
In a study using mice, it was reported that visceral fat was significantly reduced, and it is expected to prevent obesity.
Diabetes prevention effect (improvement of insulin resistance)
Nobiletin helps to reduce elevated blood glucose levels and improve insulin resistance.
Research conducted by the Faculty of Medicine at the University of the Ryukyus confirmed that it is effective in preventing diabetes and improving its symptoms in experiments using mice.
This is why nobiletin is attracting attention as a new health food to combat lifestyle-related diseases.
4) Effect on improvement of pollakiuria｜Confirmed by University of the Ryukyus in a clinical trial
Frequent nocturia (the symptom of getting up several times a night to go to the bathroom) is one of the most common problems among many elderly people.
Nobiletin has been shown to improve this frequent urination symptom.
Human Clinical Trials at University of the Ryukyus
In a clinical trial (about 50 men and 50 women) conducted by Professor Toshiaki Teruya and his colleagues at the Faculty of Education, University of the Ryukyus, the symptoms of nocturia were improved in about 60% of subjects after taking nobiletin for 6 weeks.
The possibility that nobiletin may work to improve bladder function has been demonstrated and is expected to be applied to health foods and functional foods in the future.
5) Other Noteworthy Health Benefits｜Wide Range of Studies Underway
Nobiletin is being studied for an even wider variety of health benefits, and its potential is expanding.
- Antiallergic action (hay fever relief)
- Nobiletin has anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that it may reduce hay fever and other allergic symptoms.
- Inhibition of novel coronaviruses (Collaborative research by University of the Ryukyus and Kitasato University)
- In vitro studies have confirmed its effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of new coronaviruses, and it is expected to be applied to the prevention of infectious diseases.
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Summary of the latest research by Japanese universities｜Science proves the amazing health benefits of Shikwasa!
Scientific research centered on nobiletin, a health component of Shikwasa, is being actively conducted at universities and research institutes in Japan. The following is a detailed introduction of the latest research that is particularly noteworthy among them.
| World’s First Clinical Trial Demonstrates Improvement of Cognitive Function with Nobiletin
In 2020, Masaaki Yamada, a specially-appointed professor at the University of Shizuoka’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and his colleagues were the first in the world to show that nobiletin from shikwasa improves cognitive function in humans.
Specifics of the study:
- Subjects: 108 elderly people aged 65 and over who are concerned about memory loss.
- Methods: A comparison was made between a group that took a supplement containing approximately 30 mg of nobiletin daily for 4 months and a group that did not take the supplement (placebo group).
- Main results:
- Visual memory (ability to see and remember) in particular improved significantly in the nobiletin intake group.
- In particular, the group of seniors aged 74 and under showed an average improvement of 9 points in cognitive function test scores and a significant improvement in memory.
Significance of the study:
The results of this study provide the first clinical evidence scientifically demonstrating that nobiletin from shikwasa may help prevent dementia and inhibit the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Multifaceted research at University of the Ryukyus｜A wide range of research from frequent urination, diabetes, obesity prevention, to new type corona suppression effects
At the University of the Ryukyus, research is actively underway to examine the potential of shikwasa from a wide range of angles.
(1) Research on the effect of improving pollakiuria
- Researcher: Professor Toshiaki Teruya and his research group, Faculty of Education, University of the Ryukyus
- Methods and subjects: A clinical trial was conducted in which approximately 50 men and women suffering from nocturia were given a supplement containing nobiletin for 6 weeks.
- Main results:
- About 60% (60%) of subjects urinated less frequently at night and their urinary frequency symptoms improved.
- Future Outlook:
- A paper is currently being submitted for publication and is expected to be developed as a functional food in the future.
(2) Research on the effect of diabetes and visceral fat accumulation suppression
- Research conducted by the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of the Ryukyus has confirmed that nobiletin stabilizes blood glucose levels and improves insulin resistance in animal experiments using mice.
- Nobiletin also suppresses the accumulation of visceral fat and is expected to prevent obesity.
(iii) Inhibition of new coronavirus (COVID-19) growth
- Investigator: Collaborative research between School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus and Kitasato University (2021)
- In vitro experiments reported that nobiletin from shikwasa significantly inhibited the growth of novel coronaviruses.
- Further research is expected to lead to the use of nobiletin in the prevention of novel coronavirus infections.
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Background of the nationwide boom in Shikwasa
The 2019 TV broadcast made it a household name!
After the broadcast of “Takeshi’s Home Medicine,” shikwasa juice sold explosively and was temporarily in short supply. The boom was attributed to the growing interest in dementia prevention.
Shift from Okinawa Boom to Health-consciousness
With the Okinawa boom and the popularity of superfoods since the early 2000s, Shikwasa was gradually gaining recognition. Media effects further established its position.
Attractiveness of Shikwasa from Nutritional Composition Data
(Main nutritional ingredients per 100 g edible portion)
| Nutrition Facts | content (of a mineral, etc.) | Main effects |
|---|---|---|
| energy | 35 kcal | Low calorie and healthy |
| vitamin C | 11 mg | Beautiful skin, improved immunity |
| citric acid | Approx. 2g (equivalent to 4 tablespoons of fruit juice) | Relief from fatigue |
| potassium (K) | 180 mg | Salt elimination, prevention of high blood pressure |
| beta-carotene | 89 µg | Antioxidant action, skin and mucous membrane health |
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Shikwasa Season and How to Buy the Delicious Fruit
Shikwasa is usually in season around October, with the peak harvest season from late September to November.
1) Buy by mail order
You can purchase fresh fruit and undiluted fruit juice in season. It is an easy and convenient method.
- Okinawa Shikwasa Fruit
- 100% undiluted Shikwasa.
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(2) Purchase at direct sales shops and roadside stations in Okinawa
In Okinawa, fresh Shikwasa is sold at Roadside Station Xuda (Nago City) and Ogimi Village. If you visit these places on your trip, be sure to check out the direct sales.
- Recommended direct sales place:
- Women’s Station Nakaikui Market
- Roadside Station Kusuda “Yanbaru Products Center
- Ogimi Village Agricultural Products Direct Sales “Ogimi Michi-no-Eki
Recommended way to drink Shikwasa undiluted solution
To drink undiluted Shikwasa, which has a strong sour taste, you need to be creative. Please try the following drinking methods.
(1) Shikwasa Juice (with water or carbonated water)
- Dilute the undiluted solution 5 to 10 times with water or soda water and add honey if desired to make it easier to drink.
Hot Shikwasa Tea
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of the undiluted solution to warm tea for a relaxing drink.
3) Enjoy as a drink or sour
- Add a small amount to shochu, awamori, or beer for a refreshing aroma and sour taste.
Recommended cooking recipes using Shikwasa
Bring the refreshing flavor of shikwasa to your cooking and recreate the taste of Okinawa at home.
Salad with Shikwasa dressing
Materials
- Shikwasa juice: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: a pinch
Just mix all the ingredients and pour over your favorite vegetables. The refreshing sourness will boost your appetite!
2) Fried Shikwasa
Materials
- Chicken thigh meat: 300g
- Shikwasa juice: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic and ginger: a little
- Potato starch: as needed
Marinate chicken in shikwasa juice and seasonings, coat with potato starch and deep fry. It has a refreshing taste.
3) Shikwasa ponzu (easy homemade)
Materials
- Shikwasa juice: 3 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Mirin (sweet cooking rice wine): 1 tablespoon
Just mix the ingredients. Perfect for sashimi, tofu, and shabu-shabu sauce.
Click here for undiluted Shikwasa juice
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summary
Shikwasa, the pride of Okinawa, is a traditional longevity food and a “modern super fruit” with scientifically proven health benefits. Why not incorporate it into your daily life and experience the health and longevity of Okinawa?
It is recommended as a souvenir of your trip to Okinawa, so be sure to taste its charm there.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
