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Fukushima Prefecture is famous as a fruit kingdom. Although I have never lived in Fukushima Prefecture, I have several relatives from there, and I have relied heavily on Fukushima-grown fruits throughout my life. This time, I will introduce some of the fruits that are particularly abundant in Fukushima Prefecture
This article is based primarily on information from the following websites:
Many people probably associate Fukushima Prefecture with peaches. Even the website of Fukushima City, the prefectural capital, highlights peaches as one of the ways to enjoy Fukushima City.
In 2022, Yamanashi Prefecture topped the peach harvest with 35,700 tons, followed by Fukushima Prefecture in second place with 27,700 tons . Their share was 23.7%. While not number one, they still hold a significant share, which is truly impressive. For me, the peaches sent by my relatives in the summer are an annual treat.
Although Fukushima Prefecture is part of the Tohoku region, the northern part of the prefecture is located in a basin, so it gets hot in the summer. The strong sunlight makes it suitable for growing peach trees, and it is said that delicious peaches with plenty of sweetness are produced there.
Akatsuki, the main variety of peach in Fukushima Prefecture, accounts for about half of the prefecture's total peach production and also holds about half of the national market share, making it the number one variety in Japan . In Yamanashi Prefecture, which has the highest peach harvest in Japan, Akatsuki is not considered a major variety. Furthermore , Fukushima Prefecture has succeeded in growing large Akatsuki fruits, so it is fair to say that Akatsuki is the peach of Fukushima. It is harvested from late July to mid-August.
In addition, a wide variety of peaches are cultivated in Fukushima Prefecture, including the original " Hatsuhime " variety harvested in early July, the original " Fukuakari " variety, as well as " Madoka ," " Kawanakajima Hakutou ," and " Yuzora ," which is harvested until around mid-September. As a result, peaches from Fukushima Prefecture can be enjoyed for a long period of about two months.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the coach of the US softball team made headlines for eating six peaches from Fukushima Prefecture
Please note that this article is simply an introduction to fruits that are widely produced in Fukushima Prefecture. For information on how to enjoy peaches and other fruits, please refer to other articles.
Fukushima Prefecture's harvest of summer blueberries is 500 kilograms, accounting for 100% of the total . Summer blueberries are deciduous shrubs belonging to the genus Vaccinium in the Ericaceae family, and have been growing wild in the mountains throughout Japan since ancient times. Until around the early Showa period, their berries were apparently eaten as a snack.
The fruit ripens from October to November, producing dark brown berries similar to blueberries. It is processed into jams, juices, sauces, and fruit wines.
Research has revealed that the Natsuhaze (Japanese blueberry) contains exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins, which are believed to be effective in relieving eye fatigue and purifying the blood, compared to other berries . While propagation of Natsuhaze by cuttings was previously considered difficult, a practical method of propagation has been developed in Fukushima Prefecture (this is likely the reason why Fukushima Prefecture accounts for 100% of the population despite Natsuhaze growing wild throughout Japan).
Because it takes about 20 years for the tree to grow, its fruit is precious and sometimes called the " phantom blueberry ." Although it is not very well known, it can be considered one of Fukushima Prefecture's specialty products.
Nectarines: 237 tons (2nd place)
Nagano Prefecture leads in nectarine production with 603 tons, followed by Fukushima Prefecture in second place with 237 tons. Fukushima accounts for 20.9% of the total market share.
Nectarines are a type of peach. They closely resemble peaches in shape and aroma, but are distinguished by the absence of fuzz on their surface. They have a stronger acidity than peaches, resulting in a sweet and sour taste. They can be eaten fresh or processed into jams and jellies. Their harvest season is similar to peaches, roughly from July to September.
Japanese pears (pears): 19,200 tons (4th place)
Chiba Prefecture is the top producer of Japanese pears (hereafter referred to as pears) with 19,200 tons (which reminds me of a certain local character). Following Chiba Prefecture is Ibaraki Prefecture with 17,800 tons, and Tochigi Prefecture with 17,000 tons,with Fukushima Prefecture in fourth place with 15,200 tons. In terms of market share, this is 7.74%. Even Chiba Prefecture, the top producer, only has a 9.77% share, so Fukushima Prefecture's share is still quite large. This is another fruit that I look forward to eating in the summer.
The variety that accounts for 40% of the pear cultivation area in Fukushima Prefecture is " Kosui ," which is harvested from around the end of August . It is characterized by its strong sweetness, juiciness, and crisp texture.
The next main variety is " Hosui ," which is harvested from around mid-September . " Nijisseiki ," " Akizuki ," and " Niitaka ," which is harvested until around late October, are also cultivated, so you can enjoy Fukushima-grown pears for more than two months.
Apples: 23,700 tons (5th place)
As you might expect, Aomori Prefecture is the undisputed leader in apple harvest volume, with 439,000 tons. Even Nagano Prefecture, in second place, only produces 132,600 tons, followed by Iwate Prefecture with 47,900 tons and Yamagata Prefecture with 41,200 tonsFukushima Prefecture is in fifth place with 23,700 tons. While fifth place isn't necessarily low, its share is only 3.22%.
However, in Fukushima Prefecture, the climate during late autumn to early winter, when the main variety "Fuji" (which accounts for 70% of the cultivated area) is harvested, is neither too warm nor too cold, making it ideal for the apples to ripen perfectly. In the past, Fukushima-grown "Fuji" apples were so delicious that they were called " the phantom Fuji . " The harvest volume of "Fuji" is 17,200 tons , and here too, Fukushima Prefecture ranks 5th (naturally, Aomori Prefecture is in first place) . Other varieties cultivated include " Tsugaru ," which is shipped from around late August , and " Yoko " and " Ohrin ," which are shipped around October
The charm of Fukushima Prefecture, the kingdom of fruits, is its wide variety and deliciousness
As we have seen, Fukushima Prefecture is number one in Japan for the harvest of summer blueberries (or rather, it has a 100% share), but surprisingly, it is only second in the harvest of peaches. In termsof harvest volume alone, it is not exceptionally high. For example, Yamanashi Prefecture is number one in the harvest of grapes, peaches, and plums, and Yamagata Prefecture, which is next to Fukushima Prefecture, is number one in the harvest of pears and cherries.
However, in addition to the peaches, pears, and apples mentioned above, Fukushima Prefecture produces a wide variety of fruits, This wide varietyseasonal fruits are shipped throughout the year, which is whyFukushima Prefecture is known as a fruit kingdom.
Of course, the deliciousness of fruits produced in Fukushima Prefecture , such as the "Akatsuki" peach and the "Fuji" apple, is also a major attraction of fruits from Fukushima Prefecture.
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