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

the melons grown in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, have been gaining attention. Why has melon become so popular now in this land known as the apple kingdom?

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!


The days when Aomori = apples are long gone!

A prefectural road in Tsugaru City, where melon cultivation is thriving, commonly known as "Melon Road"

Aomori Prefecture may be known for its apples, but it is also ranked fifth in the nation in melon production. Tsugaru City, located in the northwestern five regions, is one of the prefecture's top melon producing areas. Tsugaru City's melons are quietly making their presence known as the new star of Aomori, the kingdom of fruit!


What kind of melons are grown in Tsugaru City?

Tsugaru City Melons

High sugar content and high quality

Tsugaru City's melons are attractive for their high sugar content and consistent quality. The average sugar content is over 15 degrees, and they are highly acclaimed for their mellow aroma and smooth texture

Furthermore, melons with a sugar content of 17% or more are considered "premium," and are outstanding in terms of their beautiful appearance and rich flavor. They are also popular as gifts, and many people are surprised by their high quality once they try them

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)

Takami Melon

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)

Lennon Melon

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)

Kiss Me Melon

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


Why do melons grow in Tsugaru City, Aomori?

The climate with large temperature differences brings out the sweetness

Tsugaru City has a large temperature difference between day and night, which is the key to increasing the sugar content of melons. The sunshine during the day and the coolness of the night allow sugar to accumulate in the flesh, resulting in a mellow sweetness

Thorough soil and cultivation management supports high quality

Lake Jusan in the Byobuyama area

In particular, the Byobuyama area, a coastal sand dune region in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, has well-drained sandy soil, making it the ideal environment for growing melons. It is said that in this area, the fruit does not retain excess moisture, which helps to produce melons with a concentrated sweetness

Another major factor is the careful cultivation management of the producers. JA Tsugaru Nishikita carries out thorough quality control, including sugar content checks and determining the timing of harvest, and the quality of the melons that reach the market is extremely high


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

A mellow aroma and juicy sweetness

Tsugaru City's melons have an impressive, mellow fragrance that spreads the moment you take a bite. They are also juicy, dripping with juice, and the flesh is finely textured and melts in your mouth. Their luxurious flavor will make you forget the summer heat

Beautiful net pattern and long shelf life

Another attractive feature is their beautiful appearance. The uniform net pattern makes them look great and they make a perfect gift. Furthermore, because they are carefully ripened, they last a long time, so you can enjoy them for several days after receiving them


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

Tsuruta Roadside Station

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

Information

  • Name: Roadside Station Tsuruta Tsuru no Sato Aruja Farm Produce Direct Sales Store
  • Address: 176-1 Satomi, Sakai, Tsuruta-machi, Kitatsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture, 038-3524
  • Phone number: 0173-22-5656
  • URL: http://www.tsurunosato-aruja.com/directsales.html
  • Business hours: 08:00-17:00 (farm produce store) 09:00-17:00 (roadside station main building)
  • Closed: January 1st

Google Map

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

Tsugaru City melons can be purchased at roadside stations around Tsugaru City, as well as major supermarkets and department stores in the prefecture. Melon fairs are held especially during the melon season, increasing opportunities for them to be seen by a wider range of consumers

Direct sales store on Melon Road

Melon and watermelon direct sales store on Melon Road

National Route 101, which runs from Ajigasawa to Odate, and 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 shops lined up along the road, and when the melon season comes, many customers park their cars on the roadside to purchase melons

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

Tsugaru City melons are in season from late June to the end of August. This coincides with the mid-year gift season, and many orders are made for them as gifts. Locals say that this is the ultimate summer luxury, and that it is a familiar yet special fruit


summary

Tsugaru City's melons are "another Aomori fruit" that has long been overshadowed by apples. However, they are now beginning to make a strong presence as a fruit that combines the three elements of sugar content, fragrance, and beauty. Please try this melon, which is packed with the efforts of farmers and the bounty of nature. You will surely be able to experience the power of Aomori's fruits, which are not limited to apples


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