[Fukushima Prefecture] Enjoy the meaty and rich sweetness of the natural delicacy “Anpogaki”!

One of the special products of Fukushima Prefecture is Anpo persimmon

When the north wind becomes cold and harsh, the season for Anpo persimmons arrives. It is a winter tradition to see bright orange colors lined up at stores in the prefecture.

Anpogaki is a type of dried persimmon, but it is a special product made using a unique manufacturing method. It has a unique taste that can only be enjoyed with Anpo persimmons.

In this article, we will introduce Anpogaki and tell you about its charm. If you like persimmons or are interested in the food of Fukushima Prefecture, please check this out.

What is Anpogaki? Is it different from ordinary dried persimmons?

Anpo persimmons are actively produced in Yanagawa-cho, Date City, located in the northern part of Fukushima Prefecture. Anpogaki is a type of dried persimmon.

It is made by drying persimmons harvested from around the beginning of November in a persimmon drying area. The sight of bright persimmons lined up to dry is a seasonal feature of late autumn.

The bright orange flesh is jelly-like and chewy, and you can enjoy the thick, rich sweetness. Many people may be surprised at the difference in texture from regular dried persimmons.

Anpo persimmons have a concentrated sugar content of over 30 degrees The sugar content of common fruits is about 15 degrees for apples and 17 degrees for grapes. Even fresh persimmons have a temperature of about 16 to 20 degrees. Anpogaki is a natural sweet that is gentle on the body and does not contain any sugar or sweeteners.

How is Anpo persimmon made?

The difference between Anpo persimmons and regular dried persimmons lies in the way they are made.

Normal dried persimmons are made by peeling astringent persimmons and drying them in the sun. However, in the case of Anpo persimmons, a process called sulfur fumigation is performed after peeling.

Sulfur fumigation of Anpo persimmons is a technique that is said to have originated in Fukushima. Fumigating peeled astringent persimmons with sulfur protects them from oxidation. As a result, persimmons can maintain their bright orange color without turning black.

Another characteristic of Anpo persimmons is that they take longer to dry than regular dried persimmons. There is a reason why Anpogaki persimmons are slowly dried for about a month. If you dry the persimmons too quickly, the surface of the persimmons will become dry and you won't be able to get the thick texture of the pulp.

Therefore, while drying Anpo persimmons, they are repeatedly rehydrated and dried.

As you can see, Anpogaki is a product that requires a huge amount of time and effort. This reflects the passion of the craftsman to continue creating the same deliciousness.

History of Anpogaki

The history of Anpogaki goes back more than 90 years and is passed down to its birthplace, Isozawa, Yanagawa-cho, Date City

The era begins in Taisho 11. They incorporated the sulfur fumigation technique used in the production of raisins into the dried persimmon production that had been practiced since the Edo period and established it.

``Amaboshigaki'' , which means peeled persimmons are dried in the sun . It is said that by the time of the Meiji period, it had taken on its current name, Anpogaki.

Where can I buy Anpo persimmons?

Anpo persimmons are a luxurious product that takes a lot of time and effort. They are packaged more carefully than regular dried persimmons, and some are even packed in folded boxes, so they can be used as elegant gifts or souvenirs.

It can be purchased at roadside stations, station premises, and local product stores within the prefecture. You can also purchase it online during the season, so if you want to get it easily, you can search for it.

summary

In this article, we introduced Anpo persimmons grown in Yanagawa-cho, Date City, Fukushima Prefecture.

Anpo persimmons are characterized by their bright orange color, sticky, chewy texture, and high-quality sweetness refined by nature. You can enjoy the luxurious taste of persimmons like no other.

Anpo persimmons can be purchased online when they are in season, so if you are interested, please try purchasing them.