The end of Sumo Season is a sad moment for the Sumo Citrus community. Four months of blissful joy end far too soon each year, and the months in between seasons can be painfully long for a Sumo Citrus Super Fan.

That is, for those who haven’t prepared to survive the offseason. Those in the know, know that the sensory experience that is Sumo Citrus extends far past the end of April with just a little DIY preparation.

If you are willing to roll up your sleeves while there is still time to stock up on fruit, the incredibly sweet smell and legendary taste of Sumo Citrus will live on in fresh summer recipes, non-toxic home products, and indulgent self care routines.

The Sweet Smell of Spring

Nature’s consolation at the end of the sweetest season is that the Earth springs back to life. The grass turns green, flowers and trees begin to bud, temperatures warm up, and humans get the urge to clear away the cobwebs of winter. This year, infuse a familiar sense of joy into your homemade cleaning products with the ultimate citrus experience.

Sumo Citrus-Infused Surface Cleaner

No waste here – this non-toxic surface cleaner makes good use of all the Sumo Citrus peels you would otherwise discard or compost.

1. Fill a large glass jar about halfway with Sumo Citrus peels, then top with distilled white vinegar.
2. Seal and give it a shake.
3. Let sit for at least a couple of weeks in a cool, dark location (give it a shake from time to time to mix the vinegar as it infuses).
4. Strain and pour the infused vinegar into a spray bottle.
5. Dilute with water at a 1:1 ratio, with a few drops of castile soap. 
6. Use to clean your kitchen or bathroom counters.

Sumo Citrus-Scented Scouring Powder

For surfaces that need a little extra scrubbing power, this easy-to-make all-natural scouring powder is the way to go.

1. Dry or dehydrate the zest from 1-2 pieces of Sumo Citrus.
2. Combine ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup of coarse salt with the dried zest.
3. Shake well in a jar with a lid.
4. Use to scrub sinks and tubs.

Summer Sumo Citrus Recipes

There are plenty of refreshing and seasonal ways to enjoy the taste of Sumo Citrus during the summer, even though the fruit is not in season.

When fresh veggies abound, but you’re missing your favorite fruit, make sure you have a Sumo Citrus dressing on hand, like the refreshing Sumo Citrus Vinaigrette or the tangy Sumo Citrus Sesame Salad Dressing – which would be just as tasty as a marinade for poultry, fish, or tofu as it is on a heaping pile of greens.

Summer is the season of abundant fresh strawberries, and they are best accompanied by our Sumo Citrus Chocolate Dipping Sauce.

When you fire up the grill, you’ll thank yourself for making a few bottles of our Sumo Citrus Habanero Hot Sauce. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and garlicky and you will want to pour it on everything.  

And, as the temperatures rise, you will be grateful to open your freezer and pull out a Sumo Citrus popsicle. To prep a batch of these frozen treats, you will need:

• 1 Sumo Citrus, peeled
• ¼ cup yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
• ¼ cup water
• Pinch of salt

Simply add all of the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds (don’t forget the popsicle stick!) and freeze. We recommend multiplying the recipe and storing rows of popsicles between parchment paper in sealed containers to make sure you’re stocked up, because these will go fast in the hot summer months.

Indulgent Self Care for Any Season

As summer turns to fall and your skin begins to feel a bit dry, it’s time for a little Sumo Citrus Self Care Spa with a homemade Sumo Citrus Body Scrub. This also makes a lovely gift for fellow Super Fans. 

To make this scrub, you will need:

• The zest of 2 Sumo Citrus (about 2 TBSP)
• 1 cup fine sea salt or coarse sugar
• ¼ cup olive or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or lavender, if desired for scent

In a medium bowl, combine the Sumo Citrus zest with the fine sea salt or coarse sugar (choose one), olive or avocado oil (again, choose one or the other) and (if desired), the dried rosemary or lavender.

Stir until the mixture looks wet, then transfer to small jars with a tight-fitting lid. Use weekly for smooth, soft skin.

Who are we kidding – this sweet scrub is ideal for every season!

The Ultimate Crafting Experience

For those who are handy with a set of crochet hooks, why not crochet a box of Sumo Citrus for yourself and every Sumo Citrus lover in your life? Consider it an emotional support plushie that you can have and hold until the real deal returns again next season. 

We were totally inspired by @BrochetCroxet who created the most legendary craft we’ve ever seen.  

---

Ready to DIY?

Mix and match from these inspiring ideas to create your own DIY Sumo (Off)Season Survival Kit. With these goodies at your disposal, we are confident you will make it from season to season this year. 

How do you survive the months between each Sumo Season? Share your ideas and a peek at your DIY projects with us on social – tag @SumoCitrus with the hashtag #SumoCitrusDIY.