Hoda Kotb’s All-Time Favorite Fruit Is Back Earlier Than Ever

Hoda Kotb and her Today Show co-host Jenna Bush Hager frequently talk about the foods they love. Whether it's their favorite finds from Trader Joe’s or the queso recipe that comes from the back of a box, the television duo talk about food frequently—don't we all?

For those who didn't know, Hoda is crazy about Sumo Citrus. Last Sumo season, Hoda walked on set tossing one of the sweet fruits up in the air like a baseball, exclaiming, “It’s Sumo orange season! If you haven’t had a Sumo. Get one. They’re delicious.”

Like other citruses in the United States, the Sumo season typically begins in January. But now, thanks to some special plantings in Australia, we can get them in early fall, too.

What Is Sumo Citrus?

Sumo Citrus is a Japanese fruit that is famously enormous and sweet. First cultivated in the 1970s, the seedless, easy-to-peel citrus looks like a giant bumpy orange with a top knot. The fruit is a hybrid of navel oranges, pomelos, and mandarins, resulting in a consistently sweet citrus flavor. It's a variety that Allrecipes Editor, Courtney Kassel, finds irresistible and describes as “the-best-citrus-you've-ever-had sweet.“

Sumo Citrus is typically grown and harvested in Japan and the U.S., but a recent harvest from Australia—where it’s spring right now—means these fruits have made their way across the ocean to the U.S.

Due to the lengthy and laborious method of growing and harvesting Sumo Citrus, the fruit can cost upwards of $3 or $4 each. But don't worry, Courtney also has some tips for how to find the cheapest ones out there.

You won’t find them in every grocery store, but you will find a limited supply in some stores, from now through the end of October. If you do stumble across Sumo Citrus at a grocery store this fall, consider buying one of them. They’re easy to peel and taste like a burst of sunshine.