Enjoy cherry! Introducing the differences in varieties, products, and recipes for consumption [Yamagata Prefecture]

When you think of cherries, many people probably think of Yamagata Prefecture. Cherries are the prefecture's main agricultural product, and a wide variety of cherries are grown within the prefecture

The theme of this article is "Enjoy Yamagata Prefecture's cherries to the fullest!" We will introduce the different varieties, the wide variety of cherry products, and cherry arrangements you can make at home. Let's enjoy cherry season to the fullest!

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Introducing Yamagata Prefecture's cherries! What varieties are there?

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Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its cherries, and cherry cultivation is so thriving that it accounts for 70% of the cherry market share in Japan

Although it varies depending on the variety, they are in season from early summer. In June, the bright red, round fruits fill store shelves. The main varieties grown in Yamagata Prefecture and their characteristics are summarized below

	harvest season	Size	sweetness
Sato Nishiki	Mid-June onwards	Slightly large	Sweet + Sour
Benishuho	Late June~	big	Strong sweetness
Sayaka Beni	From early June	Slightly large	Refreshing sweetness
Red Temari	From early July	Very large	Strong sweetness
Red sparkle	Late June	Slightly large	Low acidity
Yutaka Beni	Mid-June	Slightly large	Low acidity
Nanyo	Late June~	Slightly large	Strong sweetness

Among them, the current main variety is "Sato Nishiki," which was successfully improved by Eisuke Sato of Higashine, Yamagata Prefecture, after 16 years of hard work

The season for sweet and sour, fragrant, delicious cherries is almost here. Why not try to get some shiny cherries while they're in season?

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Enjoy Yamagata Prefecture's unique cherry products

While you'll want to enjoy fresh cherries when they're in season, it's also important to check out the cherry products that are delicious all year round. There are a variety of delicious products available that are unique to Yamagata Prefecture. This time, we've picked out some recommendations and will introduce them one by one

Yamagata Cherry Cider

This drink is made with a generous amount of juice, primarily from Sato Nishiki cherries grown in Yamagata Prefecture. When you take a sip of this light, fizzing cherry-colored cider, the sweet and sour flavor of cherries fills your mouth. The cherry mojito, which contains rum, is also recommended for adult-friendly drinks

Frozen Cherries

Fresh Sato Nishiki cherries from Yamagata Prefecture are flash-frozen. This luxurious sorbet can be enjoyed frozen. It's healthy, so it's a great snack for children. It's also a great gift for families

Fruit Amazake

A collaboration between homemade amazake and fruit juice from Yamagata Prefecture. This dessert offers a gentle sweetness and fresh flavor. The sweetness is soft and elegant. In addition to cherry, there are also apple and grape flavors, so you can enjoy an assortment

Yamagata Cherry Chicken

Chickens are raised in the Mogami region of Yamagata Prefecture. By adding cherry juice to their feed, the meat remains soft and juicy despite the reduced fat content

Cherry pasta

This vibrant pink pasta captures the flavor of cherries. Its adorable cherry shape makes it a visual treat. It's not just a pretty sight, it's also delicious with a chewy texture, making it a great gift

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Here are some recipes to use leftover cherries!

Have you ever had fresh cherries in season but found yourself unable to eat them all? Here are some easy cherry recipes you can make at home to make the most of cherry season

Cherry brandy

Cherries are removed from the stem and soaked in rock sugar and brandy. Enjoy this special drink, which blends the sweet and sour taste of cherries with the rich aroma of brandy

Cherry glace

Put the cherries in a pot of boiling white wine and sugar and simmer for about 5 minutes. Adding a few drops of lemon juice will give them a vibrant color. Recommended for preserving cherries

Cherry tea jelly

Add the cherries to a pot of boiling black tea bags, dissolve the gelatin and sugar, pour into a serving dish, let cool, and chill in the refrigerator. Enjoy this stylish and delicious jelly in a clear container, showcasing the adorable cherries

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summary

In this article, we looked at cherries in Yamagata Prefecture. Yamagata Prefecture is not only known for its large cherry cultivation volume. Not only can you enjoy a wide variety of cherries, but there are also many unique products made with cherries

When cherries are in season, they offer freshly picked, shiny cherries. Other than that, they offer cherry-flavored products that can be enjoyed all year round. There are plenty of excellent products that are truly representative of Yamagata

Why not try finding your favorite way to enjoy cherries?

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