
Before running to the store, you probably want to know a little bit more about this large and bumpy orange. The Sumo was developed by a Japanese citrus grower who had the desire to merge California's big, delicious oranges with the Japanese Satsuma, a seedless and easy to peel mandarin. Highly prized and very expensive in Japan, often selling for $8.00-$10.00/orange, the Sumo evaded the United States market...until 2011 (now you know why you may have never heard or seen this wonderful orange). I discovered it 2 or 3 years ago, and highly anticipate the few weeks it will be in the grocery store every spring. Having moved and lost the one grocery store chain I have ever seen the Sumo in, I lamented missing out on my citrus, spring treat this year. Then, one magnificent day last week, I walked into Whole Foods, and there in front of me was a beautiful array of Sumos! The guy next to me must have thought I was a rich girl based on the two bags I bought because he introduced himself to me and gave me his card - a professional in-home chef. Hah! I'll spend $24.00 on oranges once a year and make my meals myself :).
I never buy oranges unless I am going to juice them. Every time I have ever tried, I find that the sticky hands, holding a mangled orange slice, with juice sprayed all over the table is not worth it. The Sumo though....well, it is worth every penny of the approximately $3.00/orange price-tag. Here is why:

It is incredibly easy to peel. Pop off the knob on top and you will find a light airy cushion between the peel and the fruit. Slide your finger underneath, and the skin comes off - no slippery fighting or juice squirting included.

It separates into nice wedges just as easily as it peels. I know you are asking yourself right now, "could it get any better?"
