Japan, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, is also a treasure trove of delicious and unique fruits. In this article, let’s take a journey through the orchards and farmlands of Japan, exploring types, flavours, and reasons behind the unparalleled deliciousness of Japanese fruits that are well-loved by everyone from kids to adults with families.
Those who have travelled to Japan would have noticed how fruits are well-loved as these are often showcased at supermarkets and shops. Still, Japanese fruits are now becoming more widely available in Singapore, so you don’t have to go all the way to enjoy your favourite Japanese fruits!
Why are Japanese fruits so delicious?
Japan's love affair with fruits dates back centuries, blending cultural reverence for nature with meticulous cultivation. Japanese fruits owe their exceptional taste to a combination of factors: careful farming practices, ideal growing conditions, and a deep cultural appreciation for perfection in agriculture. Farmers often employ traditional techniques alongside modern innovations to ensure the highest quality.
Japanese fruits are more than just a treat for the taste buds—they boast numerous health benefits! Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, these fruits contribute to overall well-being for the whole family. For example, citrus fruits such as mikan are known for their immune-boosting vitamin C content, while persimmons offer a dose of dietary fibre and antioxidants. The emphasis on high quality and safe cultivation practices ensures that these fruits not only taste exquisite but also contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Popular Japanese fruits that are available in Singapore
- Strawberries
Japanese strawberries, a culinary gem, are renowned for their exceptional quality, exquisite taste, and cultural significance. Popular and well-known varieties, such as Amaou and Tochiotome, and new varieties like Tenshi No Mi and Yotsuboshi stand out for their impressive size, vibrant colour, and unparalleled sweetness, making them a sought-after delicacy. The cultivation of these berries involves meticulous attention to detail, combining traditional farming techniques with modern innovations such as AI to achieve perfection.
Hailing from regions like Tochigi and Fukuoka among others, Japanese strawberries benefit from fertile soils and a climate that imparts a unique character to their flavour profile. The strawberry season in Japan typically spans from December to May, varying slightly based on the specific region, so in Singapore, consumers get to enjoy various varieties of strawberries for a longer season. Whether enjoyed fresh, atop desserts or as a thoughtful gift, these berries symbolise the dedication of Japanese farmers to producing fruits that are not just delicious but also a source of pride for the nation. As a result, indulging in Japanese strawberries is a gastronomic experience!
- Peaches
Japanese peaches, known as "Momo," captivate the senses with their succulence and delicate sweetness. Peaches are celebrated for their juiciness and floral notes, which are a testament to Japan's commitment to cultivating fruits of the highest quality. Areas such as Yamanashi and Okayama which experience wide temperature differences provides an ideal environment for peach orchards, resulting in fruits that are not only visually appealing with their blush-pink hues but also bursting with flavour.
The peak season for Japanese peaches spans from June to September, a time when these fruits are found in markets and supermarkets. The care taken in cultivation, including thinning the fruit to enhance size and sweetness, contributes to the unparalleled taste and texture of Japanese peaches. Whether enjoyed fresh or sliced into desserts, Japanese peaches are perfect as a thoughtful gift and for sharing with the whole family.
- Apples
Japanese apples, particularly the renowned varieties like Fuji and Mutsu, stand out for their crisp texture, juiciness, and a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Aomori, along with Nagano and Iwate, with their cool climate and accumulation of knowledge and techniques which produce high-quality apples, are the epicentre of apple cultivation in Japan yielding apples of exceptional quality year after year. The peak harvest season of apples is from August to November in Japan, and these are usually exported between October and January; however, apples can be enjoyed throughout the year due to innovations in production, transportation, and storage methods.
What sets Japanese apples apart is the meticulous care given to their cultivation by Japanese farmers. Whether savoured fresh as a wholesome snack or incorporated into desserts, Japanese apples showcase the country's commitment to producing fruits that are not just delicious but also a testament to the artistry of cultivation that has been passed down through generations.
- Grapes
Japanese grapes include varieties, such as Kyoho and Shine Muscat, which have elevated Japan's reputation for producing some of the finest grapes globally. Cultivated in the sprawling vineyards of areas like Yamanashi, Nagano, and Okayama, these grapes benefit from well-drained soil and Japanese farming practices.
Kyoho grapes, known for their deep purple hue and rich flavour, are a delicacy enjoyed during the late summer months. On the other hand, Shine Muscat grapes, celebrated for their unique muscat aroma and crisp texture can be eaten with their skins, and are delicious with desserts or just on their own. The grape season in Japan typically peaks from July to October.
- Persimmons
Japanese persimmons, known as "kaki," are a sweet and vibrant delight in the country's rich tapestry of fruits. Prized for their vivid colour, honey-like sweetness, and unique texture, these persimmons are a culinary treasure. Cultivated in regions like Wakayama and Nara, the fruit reaches its peak season from October to December.
Japanese persimmons are largely classified into astringent and non-astringent persimmons, and varieties with firmness and sweetness are cultivated, such as Fuyu, Jiro, Nishimura-wase and Hiratanenashi. The cultivation of persimmons in Japan involves careful attention to detail, ensuring the fruit's quality and flavour. Non-astringent persimmons can be savoured fresh and astringent persimmons can be dried as traditional "hoshigaki," or incorporated into sweet desserts. These fruits are also naturally rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin.
- Citrus fruits
Japanese mikan, a variety of mandarin oranges, embodies the essence of sweetness and convenience. These small citrus fruits are celebrated for their easy-to-peel skin and juicy, refreshing flavour. Cultivated across various regions of Japan, including Wakayama and Ehime, mikan orchards flourish in the country's temperate climate. The mikan season typically spans from late autumn to winter, with peak harvests in December.
Recently, the Chubankan citrus has become available in Singapore. Chubankan is a general term for citrus fruits other than mikan that are harvested from January to May, and well-known examples include Amatsu, Iyokan, and Hassaku, and emerging varieties, such as Shiranui, Kiyomi, Setoka and so on.
Their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness sets Japanese citrus fruits apart, making them a beloved snack for all ages. The simplicity of peeling and enjoying the fruit enhances its popularity as a quick, vitamin-packed treat. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, citrus fruits not only tantalise the taste buds but also contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
The best ways to enjoy Japanese fruits
- As a snack or dessert, Japanese fruits offer an energy boost while delivering a myriad of essential vitamins and antioxidants crucial for growing bodies. The easy-to-eat nature of fruits like mikan and seedless grapes makes them convenient for little hands, promoting independence and healthy snacking habits. Encouraging kids to snack on Japanese fruits not only satisfies their sweet cravings but also fosters an appreciation for diverse flavours and textures. Introducing these fruits early on can establish a lifelong love for healthy eating, setting the stage for a balanced and wholesome diet. Whether enjoyed fresh or packed in lunchboxes, Japanese fruits as kid-friendly snacks and desserts contribute to a tasty and nutritious culinary journey for the little ones. For this reason, Japanese fruits are perfect for families with children.
- In prepared desserts, Japanese fruits add a burst of freshness and sweetness, elevating classic treats to new heights. From strawberry shortcakes adorned to apple tarts showcasing the crispness of apples, these fruits contribute unique textures and flavours. The natural sweetness of Japanese peaches and the juiciness of grapes can transform simple desserts into gourmet delights. Additionally, infusing citrusy notes from Japanese yuzu into cakes and custards provides a sophisticated twist to familiar favourites.
- In Japanese culture, the act of gift-giving carries deep symbolism. Offering a carefully selected assortment of fruits, such as premium strawberries or perfectly ripened peaches, symbolises respect, gratitude, and a wish for the recipient's well-being. Giving a basketful of Japanese fruits is a touching gesture, whether you’re giving it to the extended family during the holiday season or just sharing a fruit platter with your little ones on movie night.
Japanese Fruits in Singapore
The quality and deliciousness of fruit and fruit-like vegetables grown in Japan are promoted to international distributors, consumers and tourists by the Japan Fruit and Vegetables Export Promotion Council / JFOODO. They are working to make Japanese seasonal fruits available in Singapore for longer periods by facilitating cooperation between fruit production areas throughout Japan.
Mr Yoshihisa Hishinuma, president of the Japan Fruit and Vegetables Export Promotion Council said, “Japanese fruits and vegetables are highly praised for their deliciousness, high quality, and safety and security, and thanks to all of you, we have received much interest from consumers all over the world.” This time around, they are collaborating with a character that is popular in Singapore—Doraemon! He has come from Japan to tell everyone about the allure of Japanese fruit.
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has established the “Japan-grown Fruit” label as a unified brand symbol for exported Japanese fruit so these products can be easily distinguished from those of other countries, so keep an eye out for this label the next time you’re at the supermarket.
For those interested in finding out more about delicious and healthy Japanese fruits, the Japan Fruits and Vegetables Export Promotion Council/JFOODO and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Singapore Office will be at the Food & Travel Fair happening this 12th to 14th January 2024 at Great World City. There’ll be lots of activities and sampling sessions of your favourite fresh Japanese fruits too!
For more information, visit Japan Fruits and follow them on Facebook.