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The Japanese are renowned for their pursuit of perfection. From traditional handicrafts to cutting-edge electronics, Japan is home to some of the most innovative and high-quality products. Therefore, it's no surprise that the creativity, perseverance, and unwavering dedication of local farmers have mastered the art of cultivation, producing some of nature's finest gifts, also known as "premium fruit."
What is the definition of "premium fruit" in Japan?
Fruits in Japan can be divided into two categories: those we buy at local supermarkets to supplement our daily vitamins and minerals, and those considered works of art, known as "premium fruits".
In Japan, fruit is not simply a source of nutrition; it also carries a deeper meaning.
While mass-produced fruit can be found on supermarket shelves throughout Japan, "premium fruit" is typically displayed prominently in specialty stores. The amount of effort put into cultivating these "masterpieces," along with their perfect appearance and exquisite taste, results in their exorbitant price.
Perfection in form, sophistication in flavor, and dedication in the cultivation process.
Therefore, premium fruits are not part of a daily diet but are usually reserved for special occasions or used as gifts.
Premium fruits achieve perfection thanks to the meticulous attention to detail and dedication of Japanese farmers in mastering cultivation techniques. The flawless beauty of these agricultural masterpieces makes it difficult to choose between equally perfect products. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the most famous premium fruits from Japan.
Square watermelon
In terms of worldwide popularity, Japanese square watermelons are hard to beat. Many of us might think that such uniquely shaped fruits must be a new variety of watermelon, but that's not actually the case. The square shape is created by placing a "normal" watermelon inside a box while it's still young and attached to the vine. The watermelon then grows and takes on the box shape.
When it comes to Japanese fruits, the image of the square watermelon is certainly one of the most unforgettable symbols.
For those craving a slice, we have some bad news: this unique growing method means the square watermelons are harvested before they are fully ripe, making them almost inedible. However, that doesn't mean you should dismiss them. This summer fruit is not only a popular choice for decorative purposes but also makes a memorable gift.
Initially, square watermelons were created not only for visual appeal but also for practical purposes: ease of stacking, storage, and transportation.
Musk's netted melon
Cantaloupe is a very popular fruit in Japan, evidenced by the widespread popularity of cantaloupe-flavored drinks and desserts. Indeed, cantaloupe seems to be everywhere in Japan, and the premium fruit industry happily embraces this fact by offering a wide variety of cantaloupe varieties. Among the many heavyweights, Musk cantaloupe is perhaps the most famous and popular. Whether you buy it as a gift or keep it for yourself, this is a premium fruit you can't go wrong with.
To create this natural wonder, a method of leaving only one fruit per plant is often employed. As a result, all the nutrients are concentrated in the selected Musk melon, making it more delicious than ever.
Taiyo no Tamago
"Taiyo no Tamago," meaning "Egg of the Sun," is perhaps the most famous mango from Japan. Unlike regular mangoes, which are harvested when they reach the desired ripeness, "Taiyo no Tamago" is harvested using a unique and delicate method. It is carefully tended until it falls naturally from the tree. But don't worry! A net is attached to the tree to catch the mango, preventing it from falling to the ground. This fully ripe fruit has a sugar content of over 15%, making it exceptionally sweet.
Super mangoes are as expensive as diamonds in the culinary world.
This premium, fully ripened mango comes from Miyazaki Prefecture. To be certified as "Taiyo no Tamago," a mango must meet specific criteria: a sugar content above 15%, a weight of at least 350g, and a distinctive red color. Therefore, "Taiyo no Tamago" is a rare and highly selective variety among other fully ripened mangoes. It belongs to the Irwin variety, also grown in places like Kagoshima and Okinawa. However, only those grown in Miyazaki and meeting certain stringent conditions can be called "Taiyo no Tamago."
What's special about these mangoes is that they are harvested when fully ripe and fall naturally, ensuring their natural juiciness.
Furthermore, only about 15% of fully ripened mangoes from Miyazaki are certified as "Taiyo no Tamago," and the 5L size is even rarer, accounting for less than 1%.
Ruby Roman
Considered the world's most expensive grape, "Ruby Roman" is one of the most prized grape varieties grown in Japan. It is renowned for its large size and is praised for its refreshing sweetness.
The red gem from Ishikawa
Although there are many delicious grape varieties in Japan, "Ruby Roman" is definitely a grape worth considering whether you want to enjoy it yourself, share it with loved ones, or buy it as a unique gift. "Ruby Roman" comes in two varieties: one with seeds, and the other a seedless version that's easier to eat.
Ruby Roman grapes are primarily grown in Ishikawa Prefecture, and those labeled "grown in Ishikawa" are considered to be of the highest quality.
Hatsukoi no Kaori
The name "Hatsukoi no Kaori" can be translated as "Taste of First Love," and this is the world's first cultivated white strawberry variety. Not only is it historically significant, but its delicate flavor also makes it an ideal gift, or a wonderful treat to enjoy yourself. "Hatsukoi no Kaori" might look unripe to those accustomed to red strawberries. But don't let the pale appearance fool you; it's fully ripe and delicious. White strawberries simply contain a small amount of anthocyanin, the pigment that gives strawberries their red color.
