What is "hebesu"

Hebesu or hebezu is a small Japanese citrus fruit for which no species name seems to have been assigned. It is green in color, rich in acid and reported to have high amounts of a specific flavonoid which supposedly has anti-cancer properties.

The fruit is considered a local delicacy of Hyūga, Miyazaki. It has been claimed it is similar to both kabosu (Citrus sphaerocarpa) and sudachi (Citrus sudach) but the fruit is not as well known outside Miyazaki Prefecture. Supposedly, the fruit was initially found during the Edo period by a Chōsokabe Heibei, from whom the fruit got its name (which means "Hebe's vinegar"). Chōsokabe began growing it on his land in what is now the Nishikawauchi Tomitaka area of Hyūga city.

Hebesu grown in greenhouses are available from June, while those grown outdoor ship between the end of July until October.