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The strawberry situation in Miyagi Prefecture: "Moikko" and "Migaki Ichigo"

of Miyagi Prefecture's famous products that tends to be overlookedstrawberries. Watari Town and Yamamoto Town, which boast the highest strawberry production volume in the Tohoku region, attract many tourists every year who come to pick strawberries.

One of the strawberry varieties grown in Miyagi Prefecture is "Mouikko." Despite its large size, "Mouikko" has a delicate and well-balanced flavor. Let's take a look at the strawberry culture of Miyagi Prefecture, including this variety


"Moikko" strawberries that make you want to eat more than one

Mouikko, a representative variety of Miyagi Prefecture, is a strawberry characterized by its very large, conical shape and bright red color. The
main varieties cultivated in Miyagi Prefecture, 'Tochiotome' and 'Sachinoka', were plagued every year by diseases and the cold climate, so there was an urgent need to develop a variety suited to Miyagi's climate.
Furthermore, with the rise of original varieties throughout Japan, there was a growing desire for Miyagi Prefecture to develop its own original variety.
It was in this context that 'Mouikko' was developed.

The strawberry variety "Mouikko" (meaning "another one") is cute both in appearance and sound, but its size is anything but cute.
's huge. Really huge.
The name "Mouikko" apparently comes from the idea that "even though it's large, you can't help but reach for another one."

As for the taste, it's sweet and juicy enough even without condensed milk or anything else.
Usually, large strawberries are considered to have a bland taste, but this 'Mouikko' variety is characterized by its delicate and refreshing flavor.
The color is even, with a solid red color all the way to the center.
If the red color in the center is pale or white, it will have a weaker taste and be sour, so you can assume it's not fully ripe yet.


Another way to enjoy it

Another thing to note is that it's not just enjoyable eaten raw.
You can fully appreciate its charm by making jam with it or using it in sandwiches.

This other jam has a thicker consistency than regular jam, which makes it easy to spread on bread.
The taste is exactly like the original "Moikko" jam. It
also keeps well, so it's recommended for anyone who wants to easily enjoy the taste of Moikko.

Another Jam

The other sandwich is made with bread spread with whipped cream. It
also contains another large piece of fruit, giving it a very gorgeous appearance.
It's very Instagrammable, so I highly recommend you try it!


The strongest original brand "Migaki Ichigo" is born!

Miyagi Prefecture has another branded variety.
That is the "Migaki Ichigo," a high-end strawberry developed in Yamamoto Town that costs 1,000 yen per berry.
Due to its price and glossy red appearance, it is called an edible jewel.

Its development was carried out in a way that set it apart from conventional methods.
IT technology, science, and expert experience—
the combination of these three forces gave birth to Migaki Ichigo.

The optimal fertilizer blend and growing conditions, derived from the experience and intuition of skilled craftsmen,
are consistently utilized through the use of IT and scientific technologies, enabling the stable production of high-quality strawberries. It's
not just about intense sweetness; it's not just about a refreshing tartness. The unique, high-quality "sweet and sour" flavor of Migaki Ichigo is a testament to the collaboration between seasoned craftsmen and cutting-edge technology.


When are Miyagi strawberries most delicious?

The peak season for strawberries is said to be around April to May.
The harvest season for "Mouikko" strawberries is usually from November to early May, but the best time to enjoy them is definitely from January to April.
March, in particular, coincides with spring break, so many farms in Watari and Yamamoto offer all-you-can-pick strawberries of varieties like "Mouikko" and "Tochiotome."
Some farms are fully booked on weekends and holidays, so it might be a good idea to make a reservation by phone before visiting!

One more <Information>

Migaki Strawberry <Information>

  • Address: 47 Sakurazutsumi, Yamadera, Yamamoto-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0223-37-9634
  • Official URL:http://www.migaki-ichigo.jp/

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