Let's talk about Strawberries

Japan's love affair with strawberries is an international obsession. These ruby treasures, meticulously nurtured in greenhouses through winter, boast unparalleled sweetness and flawless beauty. No wonder they have their own national holiday on January 15th! Deep red, juicy, and barely a hint of tartness – Japanese strawberries are a far cry from their summery counterparts elsewhere. Over 300 unique varieties thrive in these climate-controlled sanctuaries, each vying for the title of tastiest.

Japanese strawberries stand out with their vibrant red color, solid flesh, and a delightful blend of sweetness with a hint of tartness.

While other countries bask in summer's strawberry bounty, Japan turns winter into a playground for these blushing fruits. The secret lies in a network of intricate greenhouses, where climate becomes an art form. Stable temperatures and meticulous care coax forth strawberries of unparalleled quality, each bite a testament to dedication and technological finesse. These are not your average summer berries; they're winter's carefully crafted jewels.

Our favourite tip on eating strawberries is to eat the tail end of the strawberry last as it is the sweetest and most delicious part. Did you know that in Japan, many people eat strawberries with condensed milk?

There are more than 300 different strawberry varieties in Japan.

here are some of the most well known (and arguably tastiest) ones.

Let's dive into the details of strawberres:

Beni-hoppe (紅ほっぺ)

- From: Shizuoka

- Slightly acidic strawberry flavor.

- Facts: The name "benihoppe" for the Beni Hoppe strawberry comes from its vibrant red color and delicious taste.

Beni (紅): This Japanese word translates to "red," referring to the strawberry's characteristic deep red color.

Hoppe (ほっぺ): This word means "cheek" in Japanese. It's linked to the idiom "hoppe ga ochiru" (ほっぺが落ちる), which translates to "cheeks falling off." This idiom describes something so delicious that it melts in your mouth and leaves your cheeks tingling with pleasure.

Therefore, "benihoppe" literally translates to "red cheeks," perfectly capturing the strawberry's appearance and the delightful experience of eating it. This evocative name was chosen as a marketing strategy to highlight the fruit's exceptional flavor and quality.

Tochiotome (とちおとめ)

- From: Tochigi, Aichi, Ibaraki

- Fact: First strawberry variety in Japan.

Tochi: This translates to "Tochigi" in English, which is the Japanese prefecture where the Tochiotome variety was developed. It's essentially a way of honoring the strawberry's origin.

Otome: This means "young girl" or "maiden" in Japanese. This likely refers to the attractive appearance and delicate flavor of the Tochiotome strawberry.

So, putting it together, "Tochiotome" translates to "Tochigi Maiden" or "Young Girl of Tochigi," reflecting both the strawberry's birthplace and its characteristics.

Amaou (あまおう)

- From: Fukuoka

- Facts: Referred to as the 'King of Strawberries". The name "Amaou" for the Amaou strawberry is an acronym derived from its most desirable characteristics, making it a clear and evocative word that captures the essence of this premium fruit.

Here's a breakdown of the origin:

A: Comes from the Japanese word "akai," which means "red." This highlights the vibrant, deep red color that Amaou strawberries are known for.

Ma: Derived from the word "marui," meaning "round." This emphasizes the perfect, consistent shape of the berries.

O: Represents "ookii," which translates to "big" or "large." This refers to the impressive size that Amaou strawberries often reach.

U: Stands for "umai," meaning "tasty" or "delicious." This captures the intense sweetness and rich flavor that makes Amaou a favorite among strawberry lovers.

Therefore, when you put the syllables together, "Amaou" essentially translates to "large, red, round, and tasty," accurately summarizing the attributes that make this variety so special. It is actually a trademarked name owned by the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations in Japan. This reinforces the fruit's premium status and protects its quality standards.

Sagahonoka (さがほのか)

- From: Saga prefecture of Kyushu.

- Facts: Saga Honoka strawberry can be described as having a sweet taste with little acidity. These strawberries have a bright red body, but interestingly have white flesh.

Saga: This part clearly refers to the Saga Prefecture in Japan, where the strawberry variety originated.

Honoka: This word has several potential meanings in Japanese, including "faint," "subtle," "gentle," "fragrant," and "light."

Combining these elements, the name "Saga Honoka" could be interpreted as meaning something like:

"Saga's subtle sweetness"

"Saga's faint fragrance"

"Gentle strawberry from Saga"

Yumenoka (ゆめのか)

- from: Saga prefecture of Kyushu.

- Facts: Name means 'dreamy aroma' or 'a dream strawberry. Yumenoka strawberries are renowned for their balanced sweetness and refreshing acidity. They offer a juicy experience with a vibrant burst of sweetness tempered by a subtle tartness.

Oi-C berry (おいCベリ)

- From: Prefectures of Okayama and Fukuoka

- Fact: The name is a combination of the Japanese words for "delicious" (おいしい, oishii) and "vitamin C" (ビタミンC, vitamin C). High vitamin C content. It is said that one berry providing about 100 milligrams of Vitamin C. They are known for their sweet and juicy flavor, with a hint of tartness. The berries are also relatively firm, making them easy to transport and handle.

Marihime (まりひめ)

- From: Wakayama prefecture. Unlike some strawberries that travel the globe, Marihime remains a precious local treasure. You'll primarily find them pampered in Wakayama's fertile soil, making them a sought-after delicacy.

- Fact: Name means "Princess Mary".

- Taste: They are softer with a nuanced sweetness. They are fragrant. Imagine the delicate sweetness of ripe berries intertwined with a whisper of floral notes. It's soft, alluring, and promises a heavenly taste experience.

Hatsukoi no Kaori (初恋の香り)

- From: Tochigi Prefecture being a primary growing region.

- Availability: : Due to their delicate nature and limited harvest window (spring), Hatsukoi no Kaori strawberries are considered a luxury fruit and can be quite expensive.

- Facts: Hatsukoi no Kaori strawberries, literally meaning "Fragrance of First Love" in Japanese, are truly unique and captivating treats. Their pale color comes from a low level of anthocyanins, pigments responsible for the red hue in most strawberries. Their unique beauty and symbolism make them a popular choice for romantic gestures and special occasions.

Their sweetness is often described as subdued and nuanced, with a hint of honey and melon. They lack the sharp tartness of regular strawberries but offer a unique creamy richness.

Unlike the classic red, Hatsukoi no Kaori strawberries boast a stunning ivory white to pale pink coloration.

Credits to https://twitter.com/danmenzukan

Where strawberries arcultivated in Japan

Credits to weathernews

Sweetness comparison

甘さ＝sweetness

すっぱさ = sourness

Credits to Taro-ichigo website

Comparison of the physical features of strawberries

やわらかめ = tenderness

硬め = hardness

シュッとしてる = pointiness

まるっこい = roundness

Other topics relating to Strawberries in Japan

Why are strawberries grown in winter in Japan?

Japan's temperate climate, characterized by hot and humid summers with frequent typhoons and heavy rains, poses challenges for cultivating high-quality strawberries. These conditions make the berries vulnerable to diseases, pests, and rot. In contrast, the cooler and drier winter provides a more stable and controlled environment conducive to optimal strawberry growth.

To overcome the climatic limitations, a significant portion of strawberry cultivation in Japan takes place within advanced greenhouses equipped with climate control systems. These greenhouses efficiently regulate temperature, humidity, and light, enabling year-round strawberry production independent of outdoor weather conditions.

The demand for high-quality, fresh strawberries in Japan remains consistently high throughout the year. Winter strawberries, considered a luxury fruit, command premium prices, contributing to their profitability for farmers. The cultural significance of strawberries is highlighted on Strawberry Day, celebrated on January 15th, reflecting the nation's affection for this winter delight. Cultural preferences also play a role in Japanese strawberry cultivation. Traditionally, consumers prioritize aesthetics and consistency in their fruits.

Greenhouses allow farmers to exert precise control over factors such as size, shape, and color, resulting in visually appealing and uniformly shaped berries.

In response to the challenges posed by winter conditions, Japan has developed unique strawberry varieties specifically tailored for greenhouse cultivation during this season. These varieties are resilient to cooler temperatures and thrive in controlled environments, contributing to the success of winter strawberry production in the country.

Is there a demand for sour strawberries?

Some people prefer the tangy and tart flavor of sour strawberries over the sweet ones. This preference could be because of personal taste, a sensitivity to sweetness, or a desire for a more complex flavor.

In the kitchen, sour strawberries can be used in creative ways. Their acidity can add a lively contrast to sweet dishes like cakes and ice cream, and they can also enhance the flavor of savory dishes such as salads and salsas.

Sour strawberries may bring back nostalgic memories of childhood treats like sour candy or popsicles for some individuals. This sentimental connection can create a renewed appreciation for the tart taste.

In terms of health, sour strawberries are generally lower in sugar, making them a potentially healthier option for people with diabetes or dietary restrictions. They also provide a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients.

The uniqueness and novelty of sour strawberries appeal to some, as trying a different type of fruit can be an exciting experience, especially for those who enjoy adventurous flavors.

It's worth noting that sour strawberries are not widely available on the market due to their limited popularity compared to sweeter varieties.