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Dekopon (デコポン) is a seedless, sweet variety of satsuma orange. It was created in 1972 by hybridizing Kiyomi and Ponkan (Nakano No. 3) in Japan.
Initially, the brand name "Dekopon" became a genericized trademark, commonly used to refer to all varieties of this fruit. Its official name is Shiranuhi or Shiranui (不知火). Dekopon is easily recognizable by its lovely flavour, large size, and distinctive bump on its top. The fruit is marketed worldwide under different names. In Brazil, it is sold as Kinsei; in the United States, it is branded as Sumo Citrus. In South Korea, it is known as Hallabong (한라봉).
The name Dekopon is likely a portmanteau of deko (凸, デコ), meaning "convex" in reference to the fruit's characteristic bump, and pon from Ponkan (ポンカン), one of its parent fruits. Before Dekopon became a widely used name, different regions marketed the fruit under various names. At the same time, it remained a trademark exclusive to produce from Kumamoto. For example, fruits grown in Ehime Prefecture were sold as Himepon, while those from Hiroshima Prefecture were marketed as Hiropon. However, after an agreement allowing any producer to use the name Dekopon—provided they met quality standards and paid a fee—the term became the standard name for the fruit across Japan.
Despite its popularity, Dekopon does not have an official agricultural variety registration number (Nōrin Bangō) due to its prominent bump, initially considered unattractive, and the challenge of reducing its acidity during development.
Dekopon fruits are typically cultivated in large greenhouses to maintain a stable temperature. During winter, they are harvested between December and February. When grown in open fields, harvesting occurs later, from March to April.
After being picked, the fruits are left to rest for 20 to 40 days. This allows the citric acid content to decrease while the sugar levels rise, enhancing their sweetness and market appeal. Only those with sugar content above 13°Bx and citric acid below 1.0% meet the standards required to be sold under the name Dekopon.
Initially, the brand name "Dekopon" became a genericized trademark, commonly used to refer to all varieties of this fruit. Its official name is Shiranuhi or Shiranui (不知火). Dekopon is easily recognizable by its lovely flavour, large size, and distinctive bump on its top. The fruit is marketed worldwide under different names. In Brazil, it is sold as Kinsei; in the United States, it is branded as Sumo Citrus. In South Korea, it is known as Hallabong (한라봉).
The name Dekopon is likely a portmanteau of deko (凸, デコ), meaning "convex" in reference to the fruit's characteristic bump, and pon from Ponkan (ポンカン), one of its parent fruits. Before Dekopon became a widely used name, different regions marketed the fruit under various names. At the same time, it remained a trademark exclusive to produce from Kumamoto. For example, fruits grown in Ehime Prefecture were sold as Himepon, while those from Hiroshima Prefecture were marketed as Hiropon. However, after an agreement allowing any producer to use the name Dekopon—provided they met quality standards and paid a fee—the term became the standard name for the fruit across Japan.
Despite its popularity, Dekopon does not have an official agricultural variety registration number (Nōrin Bangō) due to its prominent bump, initially considered unattractive, and the challenge of reducing its acidity during development.
Dekopon fruits are typically cultivated in large greenhouses to maintain a stable temperature. During winter, they are harvested between December and February. When grown in open fields, harvesting occurs later, from March to April.
After being picked, the fruits are left to rest for 20 to 40 days. This allows the citric acid content to decrease while the sugar levels rise, enhancing their sweetness and market appeal. Only those with sugar content above 13°Bx and citric acid below 1.0% meet the standards required to be sold under the name Dekopon.