Must-see for Food and Agriculture Professionals!
Enjoy Citrus in Ehime when you visit Setouchi!
With the global recognition of sushi and Wagyu beef, more and more people look forward to dining in Japan when they visit (which is great news!). If you are in the food and agriculture industry, whether for business or pleasure, you'll want to carefully plan your meals when you come to Japan, right?
Introducing Japanese fruits (especially citrus fruits!).
Japanese cuisine is renowned for making the most of its ingredients, which are highly appreciated for their quality. Fruits are no exception. Mainly cultivated by hand with great care, Japanese fruits are exceptional for their sweetness and rich flavor (which is also famously reflected in their prices!). Among the MICE areas introduced, the Setouchi area includes a prefecture famous for its fruits. It's Ehime, the citrus kingdom of Japan! When you visit Setouchi, be sure to enjoy the citrus fruits in Ehime.
Japanese Citrus Scene
In Japan, the typical citrus is not the orange but the mandarin or tangerine. This is due to Japan's climate. In Japan, which has four distinct seasons, the mandarin, which is relatively cold-resistant, has become more widely cultivated. Ehime and Wakayama, which we introduce here, are the two major citrus-producing prefectures in Japan, accounting for about 40% of Japan's production.
The most common variety is the "Unshu mikan," known outside Japan as "Satsuma" or simply "Mikan." Unshu mikan is characterized by being peelable by hand, seedless, and edible in segments, which means no tools are needed and your hands don't get dirty, making them perfect for eating while traveling.
Leading the Unshu mikan, Japan features a variety of unique citrus types. There are more than 100 varieties of Unshu mikan alone, and it is said that there are hundreds of varieties throughout Japan. Furthermore, research on new varieties is still very active, and new types are continually being cultivated.
Citrus in Ehime
Let's take a closer look at the citrus cultivated in Ehime! Citrus cultivation requires a warm climate and plenty of sunlight. The climate of the Seto Inland Sea provides both, making Ehime perfect for citrus cultivation!
The mountainous terrain also plays a role in the growth of citrus. On terraced fields created with stone walls, each tree receives ample sunlight without overshadowing each other. Additionally, the stone walls improve drainage, creating a moderately dry condition ideal for citrus.
Ehime's citrus is said to grow under "three suns": the sun from the sky, the sun reflected from the Seto Inland Sea, and the sun reflected from the stone walls. Citrus in Ehime truly utilizes nature to its fullest, basking in the blessings of the sun.
Thus cultivated, Ehime's citrus is not just sweet but has a balanced flavor of sweetness and acidity, resulting in a rich, full-bodied taste.
Recommended Citrus
Unshu Mikan
First, definitely try the basic Mikan! It's available everywhere, easy to eat, and perfect for entry-level enjoyment. You can enjoy this citrus fruit the longest, from around October to March. The flavor changes with the seasons, starting tart in the fall and gradually becoming sweeter in the spring. With over 100 varieties, be sure to find your favorite!
Ponkan
Not very well-known in Japan, but my recommendation is "Ponkan"! It looks and is sized similar to a Mikan, but Ponkan has a unique fragrance and rich flavor, which is why I recommend it. It's like drinking juice or even thicker syrup, a flavor that fills your mouth that you must try at least once. The peak season is short, from January to February, and it's a variety that dries out easily, so it's best enjoyed in the producing area. Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture is the top Ponkan-producing area in Japan, so definitely try it when you visit!
Beni Madonna
"Beni Madonna" is a relatively new variety registered in 2005. Its features are its silky, densely packed soft flesh and the abundant, rich flavor, almost like eating natural jelly. You're lucky if you encounter Beni Madonna! This variety is only allowed to be cultivated in Ehime Prefecture, and its season is short, from December to January, so be sure to try it if you see it!
Iyokan
For those who prefer a refreshing, crisp taste, "Iyokan" is recommended. Iyokan is also a major citrus fruit from Ehime ("Iyo" is the name of a region in Ehime), characterized by large, distinct fruit segments with a crunchy texture. The balance of sweetness and acidity is excellent, and it's juicy yet refreshingly crisp, making it addictive. The peak season is from January to March. Unlike the other three, peel the segments before eating.
How to get
The easiest way to get fruits in Japan is at a supermarket! While convenience stores are famous and popular among visitors to Japan, it's a waste not to go to a supermarket! Please try visiting a Japanese supermarket once. You'll be greeted by a wide variety of fresh fruits.
Also, outside of urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, "Michi-no-Eki" (roadside stations) are recommended. Michi-no-Eki are facilities that collect and sell local specialties, especially agricultural products, used by both tourists and local residents. There are about 30 Michi-no-Eki in Ehime Prefecture, so please stop by if you have the chance. You can get all the local recommendations at once.
If you want to enjoy more citrus, consider visiting an orchard. During a mandarin-picking experience, you can enjoy picking fresh mandarins while enjoying the view of the Seto Inland Sea from the terraced fields. Also, some farms have direct sales outlets and cafes, making them a sure delight for citrus freaks. *Note that many places require reservations for mandarin-picking, so it's recommended to check in advance.