Japan is a unique country from food, culture to people and it’s no wonder that Japan is one of the most visited countries by tourists. And did you know that Japan grows premium and high quality, amazing fruits? Yes, and you would be surprised at these varieties of fruits that can only be found in Japan!
Native Healthy Japanese Fruits
We will introduce 5 Japanese healthy native fruits only found in Japan. Try these nutritious fruits and you’ll find out why japanese stay healthy and live longer. Are you curious to know these exciting fruits? Here is the list.
1. Mizuho
Mizuho or a Japanese loquat variety dates back for more than 270 years in Japan. It originates in East Asia and now mizuho has its distinct differences. Japanese loquat is softer and bigger than its other counterparts. Mizuho is high in nutrients which provide numerous vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, essential for a strong immune system and healthy eyes. It is popularly found in warmer prefectures such as Chiba, Kagawa, Kagoshima and Ehime. The fruit can be prepared as jam for your sandwich.
2. Sato Nishiki
Sato Nishiki is a cherry variety originating in Yamagata prefecture and is known as the King of cherries. The fruit has an excellent sweet taste with a good balance of sourness when it turns bright red. It is rich in Vitamin C, A, Calcium and Iron which helps fight cancer and diseases, helps improve sleep and reduces pain in gout and arthritis. You try this fruit served as sato nishiki parfaits, ice creams and other desserts.
3. Crown Melon
Crown melon, the “king of melons” is a high-grade melon cultivated in Shizuoka Prefecture. It has an amazing fragrance and gorgeous sweet flavor with a mellow, melty texture. It is packed in nutrients such as beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C, fiber and folate which reduce risks for cancer. You can try this muskmelon in Shizuoka Prefecture prepared as bread, cold drinks, desserts and pastries.
4. Kosui
Kosui is a pear variety that is popularly found in Chiba Prefecture. It is harvested during the autumn season in early August. Kosui is very sweet, has very low acidity and has lots of juice on it. The fruit has a high concentration of vitamin C, about 8% per pear, just enough daily requirement for your body. It also contains fiber, potassium and low in calories. Aside from eating the kosui fruit alone, you can also make juices and desserts with kosui on it.
5. Amaou
Amaou is a strawberry variety cultivated in Fukuoka Prefecture and is known as the “king of japanese strawberries”. It is bigger than regular strawberries and has a bright red, glossy color with a balance of sweetness and sourness. It is a great source of fiber and vitamins A, C, E, K, iron, zinc and magnesium that help burn fats, boosts your memory, eases inflammation and more. Amaou is a popular fruit during the winter season served as toppings in cakes, ice creams or wrapped in mochi.
Conclusion
There are several more unique fruits in Japan that have a distinctive appearance and have amazing health benefits. Knowing these fruits when you are visiting or staying in Japan is a great resource of knowledge when you want to stay healthy in a new country. Which unique fruit would you like to try first? Share with us in the comments what favorite fruit you would like to try in Japan.
References:
https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/agri/fruits/nfoj.html
https://www.hakata-amaou.com/en/
https://www.bokksu.com/blogs/news/why-amaou-is-the-king-of-japanese-strawberries
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2347.html
https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/japanese-fruit
BY LA