Has the era of "Aomori = Melon" arrived? Exploring the appeal of Tsugaru City's high-quality melons [Aomori Prefecture]

When people think of Aomori, they immediately think of apples, but in recent years, melons grown in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, have been attracting attention. Why are melons suddenly gaining popularity in this region known as the "Kingdom of Apples"?

This time, to help you understand the appeal of melons produced in Tsugaru City, we will provide a thorough explanation of Tsugaru City's melons from the perspective of an Aomori resident!

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The days when Aomori = apples are long gone!

While Aomori Prefecture is strongly associated with apples, it actually ranks 5th in Japan for melon production as well

In particular, Tsugaru City, located in the northwestern part of the prefecture, is one of the top melon-producing areas in the prefecture

As a new star in Aomori, the"Kingdom of Fruits," Tsugaru City melonsare now quietly beginning to make their presence felt!

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What kind of melons are grown in Tsugaru City?

High sugar content and high quality

The melons from Tsugaru City are highly appealing due to their high sugar content and consistent quality

an average sugar content of over 15 degrees, it is highly regarded for its rich aroma and smooth texture.

Furthermore, melons with a sugar content of 17 degrees or higher are classified as "premium," and their beauty and rich flavor are outstanding. They are popular as gifts, and many people are surprised by their high quality after just one bite.

There are three main varieties

There are three main types of melons grown in Tsugaru City. Below we will introduce their harvest times and characteristics in detail

Takami melon (flesh is yellow-green)

Harvest season: late June to mid-August

The flesh is bright yellow-green and firm, and is sometimes used as a decoration for desserts and cakes. It is a very sweet variety with plenty of juice, making it very easy to eat

Lennon melon (orange flesh)

Harvest season: late July to mid-August

It has bright red flesh and a strong aroma, and its soft, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture is appealing

Kiss Me Melon (yellow-green flesh)

Harvest season: Mid-August to early September

The flesh is juicy and smooth, with a refreshing aftertaste that isn't too sweet. It has a long shelf life, and when you feel the firmness in the bottom and a sweet fragrance wafting from the air, it's ready to eat. It's also popular as a gift, and has a reputation for its beautiful appearance

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Why do melons grow in Tsugaru City, Aomori?

The climate with large temperature differences brings out the sweetness

Tsugaru City experiences a large temperature difference between day and night, which is key to increasing the sugar content of its melons

The abundant sunshine during the day and the cool nights allow the fruit to accumulate plenty of sugar, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor

Thorough soil and cultivation management supports high quality

In particular, the Byobuyama region , a coastal sand dune area located in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture , has well-drained sandy soil and an ideal environment for melon cultivation. It is said that in this area, the fruit does not absorb excess moisture, and a concentrated sweetness is easily developed.

In addition, the meticulous cultivation management by the producers is also a major factor

At "JA Tsugaru Nishikita," thorough quality control is implemented, including sugar content checks and determining the optimal harvest time, resulting in melons of extremely high quality reaching the market

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You'll be amazed at the taste and aroma of Tsugaru City melons!

A mellow aroma and juicy sweetness

The melons from Tsugaru City are impressive for the rich aroma that spreads the moment you take a bite

It's incredibly juicy, with juice practically dripping out, and the flesh has a fine texture that melts in your mouth. It's a luxurious taste that will make you forget the summer heat

Beautiful net pattern and long shelf life

Its beautiful appearance is also one of its attractions

The netting pattern is uniform and visually appealing, making it perfect as a gift. Furthermore, because it's carefully managed during the ripening process, it has a long shelf life, and you can enjoy it for several days after receiving it, which is another great advantage

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Where can I buy it? When is it in season?

Tsuruta Roadside Station

the Tsuruta Roadside Station "Tsuru no Sato Aruja," you can find fresh melons from Tsugaru City, as well as a wide variety of local agricultural products and processed goods. It's a popular spot for tourists, and if you're looking for seasonal melons, this is definitely the place to go! Melon sales start around July every year, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.

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Supermarkets, department stores, and roadside stations in Aomori Prefecture and around Tsugaru City

Melons from Tsugaru City can be purchased at roadside stations around Tsugaru City, as well as at major supermarkets and department stores throughout the prefecture

Especially during the peak season, melon fairs are held, increasing opportunities for consumers to see them

Direct sales store on Melon Road

National Route 101 , which runs from Ajigasawa to Odate , and the Byobuyama Wide-Area Agricultural Road , which runs from Ajigasawa to Goshogawara City, are both known as "Melon Roads ."

As the name suggests, there are many melon direct sales shops lining the street , and when the season comes, many customers stop their cars on the roadside to buy melons.

Best eaten from late June to August! Also popular as a gift

The peak season for Tsugaru City melons is from late Juneto the end of August. This coincides with the Obon gift-giving season, so there are many orders for them as gifts.

Locally, it's a fruit that's both familiar and special, so much so that some people say, "This is the ultimate summer luxury."

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summary

The melons from Tsugaru City are "another fruit of Aomori" that has long been overshadowed by apples

However, it is now beginning to stand out as a fruit that boasts the perfect combination of sweetness, aroma, and beauty. Please try this melon, which is packed with the hard work of farmers and the bounty of nature!

It's not just apples; you're sure to experience the true potential of Aomori's fruits

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