Fruit in Japan is different from much of the world.
Pieces of fruit often come individually wrapped in plastic and have extortionate prices attached to them.
They are also sweeter than their Western counterparts and sometimes different sizes and shapes.
The Japanese also like to peel fruits that other countries do not.
It can be quite amusing seeing people peel tiny grapes.
One of the most popular fruits in Japan is the nashi, also known as Japanese pear.
Unlike Western pears, nashi are larger, crispier, and have a lighter taste with rougher skin.
Aside from the unique flavors and textures, fruits in Japan are also appreciated for their aesthetic appeal.
Japanese farmers take great pride in growing fruits that are visually stunning.
And while this does lead to a huge amount of waste, it goes some length as to explain the exorbitant prices.
Historical Context of Fruit in Japan
Fruit has played a significant role in Japanese culture and tradition for centuries.
In ancient times, fruit was considered a luxury item and was only available to the wealthy.
It was also used as a symbol of power and prestige.
The cultivation and consumption of fruit in Japan has since evolved, and today, it is an important part of the country’s food culture.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), fruit became more widely available to the general public.
This was due in part to advances in agricultural technology and the growth of urban centers.
The production of fruit also became more specialized, with certain regions becoming known for specific types of fruit.
For example, Yamanashi prefecture is famous for its grapes, Aomori for apples while Nagasaki prefecture is known for its citrus fruits.
One of the most significant changes in the cultivation and consumption of fruit in Japan occurred during the Meiji period (1868-1912).
This was a time of modernization and westernization, and the Japanese began to adopt new agricultural techniques and technologies from Europe and the United States.
This led to the widespread cultivation of new varieties of fruit, such as apples, which had previously been rare in Japan.
Why is Fruit So Expensive in Japan?
If you’ve ever been to Japan, you may have noticed that fruit can be quite expensive compared to other countries.
So, why is this the case?
There are several reasons why fruit is so pricey in Japan.
Firstly, fruit is often seen as a luxury item in Japan, rather than a daily staple.
This means that farmers can charge a premium for their produce.
Additionally, many fruits in Japan are grown to be gifts rather than for personal consumption.
Fruits such as Japanese melons and grapes are often given as gifts to show appreciation or respect, which drives up the price.
Another reason why fruit is expensive in Japan is due to the country’s strict regulations and standards for produce.
Farmers are required to adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to growing and harvesting their crops.
This results in higher labor costs and a smaller yield, which in turn drives up the price of the fruit.
Furthermore, Japan’s geography and climate also play a role in the cost of fruit.
The country’s mountainous terrain and limited arable land mean that farming is more difficult and expensive than in other countries.
This is especially true for fruits that require a specific climate or soil type to grow, such as persimmons or yuzu.
The Unique Fruit Varieties of Japan
Japan is well-known for its unique and delicious fruit varieties.
From citrus fruits to melons, berries, stone fruits, and tropical fruits, Japan has a wide range of fruit options to offer.
Citrus Fruits
Japan is home to a variety of citrus fruits, including mikan, yuzu , kabosu, and shikwasa.
Mikan is a type of mandarin orange that is seedless and easy to peel.
It is a popular snack during the winter months.
Yuzu is a citrus fruit that is used in many Japanese dishes, including soups, dressings, and sauces.
Kabosu is a sour citrus fruit that is similar to yuzu but has a milder taste.
Shikwasa is a small citrus fruit that is native to Okinawa and is often used to make juice.
Melons
Melons are a popular fruit in Japan, and the country is known for producing some of the best melons in the world.
Some of the most popular melon varieties in Japan include musk melon, cantaloupe, and watermelon.
Musk melons are a type of cantaloupe that is known for its sweet and juicy flavor.
They are often given as gifts and can be quite expensive.
Cantaloupe is a popular fruit in Japan and is often served as a dessert or snack. Watermelon is also popular and is often eaten during the summer months.
Berries
Japan is home to a variety of berries, including strawberries.
Japanese strawberries are known for their sweetness and are often used in desserts.
White strawberries are a rare variety that is known for its unique and delicate flavor.
Stone Fruits
Japan is known for its delicious stone fruits, including peaches and nashi pears.
Japanese peaches, or momo, are known for their sweetness and juiciness.
Nashi pears, also known as Japanese pears, are a popular fruit in Japan and have a crisp texture and a sweet flavor.
Tropical Fruits
Japan is home to a variety of tropical fruits, including pineapple and mango.
Pineapple is often used in desserts and drinks and has a sweet and tangy flavor.
Mango is a popular fruit in Japan and is often eaten as a snack or used in desserts.
Regional Specialties
When it comes to fruit, Japan is known for its high-quality produce, and each region has its own specialty.
Here are some fruits that you should try when visiting different parts of Japan:
- Hokkaido: Hokkaido is known for its melons, especially the Yubari melon, which is considered a luxury fruit in Japan. These melons are known for their sweet, juicy flesh and are often given as gifts.
- Okayama: Okayama is known for its peaches, which are considered some of the best in Japan. The most famous variety is the momo, a large, juicy peach with a delicate flavor.
- Nagano: Nagano is famous for its apples, especially the Shinano Sweet, which is known for its crisp texture and sweet flavor. Nagano is also home to the kyoho grape, a large, juicy grape with a thick skin and a sweet, musky flavor.
- Yamanashi: Yamanashi is the largest producer of grapes in Japan, and the region is known for its high-quality grapes. The most famous variety is the koshu grape, which has a light, refreshing flavor and is often used to make wine.
- Okinawa: Okinawa is known for its tropical fruits, including the shikuwasa, a small, sour citrus fruit that is used to make juice and vinegar. Okinawa is also home to the mangosteen, a sweet and tangy fruit with a thick, purple skin.
Luxury Fruits and their High Prices
If you’re looking to splurge on some high-end fruit in Japan, you’ll find plenty of options.
Gift Culture
One reason for the high prices of luxury fruits in Japan is the country’s gift-giving culture.
It’s common to give gifts of fruit to friends, family, and business associates, and the more expensive the fruit, the more impressive the gift.
This has created a demand for fruits that are considered rare or luxurious.
Supermarkets in Japan often carry luxury fruits, but they can be hard to find and sell out quickly.
For the most part, if you want to buy luxury fruits, you’ll need to go to specialty stores or order them online.
Some luxury fruits are only available at certain times of the year, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Fruit in Japanese Cuisine
One of the most popular fruits in Japan is ume, a type of Japanese plum.
Ume is used to make umeboshi, a pickled plum that is a common condiment in Japanese cuisine.
Umeboshi is also used in onigiri, a popular Japanese snack made of rice balls wrapped in seaweed.
The sour and salty taste of umeboshi complements the blandness of rice, making it a perfect snack.
It’s a taste I have acquired, though it has taken two decades.
Japanese plum, or ume, is also used to make umeshu, a sweet and sour liqueur that is popular in Japan.
The liqueur is made by steeping ume in alcohol and sugar.
Weird Fruit Uses
One of the things that I always found odd in Japan is that they cut the crusts off of sandwiches.
But that’s nothing compared to this:
You can find fruit sandwiches in any convenience store.
They must be popular or they would not have been around for so long.
Why not try one?
Another popular use of fruit is melon bread.
This is a kind of sweet bread that has a slight melon flavour.
Again, very popular among the locals.
Before You Go
You’ll definitely miss some home comforts though.
Raspberries are hard to find and when you do, you’ll need a second mortgae.
In close to 25 years here, I have seen rhubarb and passion fruit on maybe two occasions.
And personally I miss sharp apples as the ones here are too sweet for me.
To end, I do sometimes read about fruit crime.
Japan is super safe yet you hear about peach farmers getting their crops stolen from time to time.
My advice is to buy it here though and not steal.
