[Yamagata Prefecture] If you want to buy cherries, go here! 3 recommended direct sales shops selected by locals and how to identify delicious cherries

The most famous fruit in Yamagata Prefecture is undoubtedly cherries .

This time, for those who want to buy delicious cherries in Yamagata, we will introduce recommended direct sales stores where you can purchase freshly picked cherries and how to identify delicious cherries

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When is cherry season?

Yamagata cherries can be purchased from late May to late July, but they are said to be in season from mid-June

Among them, variety, known as the "king of cherries" is most commonly available from mid to late June

Although it is a little more expensive, the "Benishuho" variety is sweeter and keeps better than Sato Nishiki, and its peak harvest time is from late June to mid-July. Choose the variety and purchase time based on your preferences and budget.

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If you're looking to buy, here are 3 recommended direct sales stores!

Here are three recommended direct sales stores for purchasing cherries

Yoreke Popola (Higashine City)

Yoreke Popola is a direct sales store run by JA Sakuranbo Higashine, and boasts a large sales area and a wide variety of products

During cherry season, the store is bustling with people not only from within Yamagata Prefecture, but also from neighboring Miyagi Prefecture and other prefectures, buying cherries.

This direct sales store is unique in that shippers are free to package and set the selling price of their prized products, meaning there are many options even for the same variety, allowing you to find the perfect product for your budget and purpose.

As this is a very popular direct sales store, we recommend that you be prepared to wait in line during cherry season.

Come and visit Popola <Information>

• Name: Yotteke Popola (JA Sakuranbo Higashine)
• Phone number: 0237-41-0288
• Address: 3-7-16 Chuo Higashi, Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Official URL: Yotteke Popola

Google Map

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Agriland Direct Sales Center (Sagae City)

This is a direct sales store that is often used by Yamagata residents when purchasing cherries as gifts. You can get fresh and delicious cherries here

In addition to cherries, Agriland Direct Sales Center also sells fresh locally grown vegetables and prefecture-produced beef at reasonable prices, making it an enchanting place where you'll find yourself filled to the brim with purchases as soon as you step inside.

This is also a popular spot where you'll see long lines during cherry season.

Agriland Direct Sales Center <Information>

• Name: JA Sagae Nishimurayama Agriland Direct Sales Center
• Phone number: 023-784-7888
• Address: 2 Sagae Kubo, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Official URL: Agriland Direct Sales Center

Google Map

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Direct from the Farm Sun Pure (Tendo City)

Sanchoku Sun Pure is a direct sales store with excellent access, located on the same premises as the Tendo Onsen Roadside Station along National Route 13

The attraction is the wide range of products available, including fresh cherries, locally grown vegetables and rice, Tendo City's specialty products and crafts, etc

In addition to a wide selection of souvenirs made with cherries, the shop is also adjacent to Tento La France Factory

Other attractions include a free foot bath, Wakuwaku Land , a cafe, and a large bookstore , making it a fun place you won't want to leave.

Not only can you buy cherries, but it's also a great spot for the whole family to enjoy on one site, so it's also recommended for leisure activities

Direct from the farm Sun Pure <Information>

• Name: Tendo Onsen Roadside Station Direct from the Farm Sun Pure Store
• Phone number: 023-658-8101
• Address: 2-3-43 Kuwanomachi, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Official URL: Direct from the Farm Sun Pure

Google Map

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How to identify delicious cherries

If you're going to buy cherries, you want to choose sweet and fresh ones, right?
Here are some tips on how to identify delicious cherries, which will come in handy not only when buying cherries at a farmer's market, but also when buying them at the supermarket.

The fruit is firm and shiny

This is a standard that applies to many ingredients, but choose fruit that is shiny and not wilted

It has less unevenness and a vivid color

Cherries that are exposed to sunlight evenly are very sweet. Cherries do not ripen further, so choose red ones rather than ones that are still green. However, be careful as cherries that are too dark in color may over-ripen and spoil quickly.
(There are also varieties that are tastier when darker, such as "Beni Sayaka.")

Large grains

The larger the cherry, the sweeter and tastier it is, and the higher the price it tends to fetch. If the price is the same, it's better to choose the larger one

Thick stems and dark color

As the stem loses freshness, it will wither and turn brown. A thick, green stem is a sign of freshness

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summary

We've introduced recommended direct sales stores for buying cherries in Yamagata and how to identify delicious cherries.
In addition to the places we've introduced here, you'll find many farm shops and orchards run by farmers during cherry season, so you're sure to get fresh cherries when you visit Yamagata.
Because the cherry season is short, be sure to choose truly delicious cherries and enjoy the taste of early summer.

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