Did You Know There Are About 300 Varieties!? Strawberry Trivia – Part 2
English
They has each stories.
In our previous segment, we discussed the origins and history of strawberries and revealed that strawberries are technically vegetables. In this second installment, we’ll delve deeper into the production volume and regions of strawberries, and explore the different varieties available. If you’re considering venturing into agriculture in the future, you might find some valuable insights here! Please enjoy until the end.
Where are strawberries produced in Japan?
According to the 2023 production volume rankings by prefecture, Nagasaki ranks 5th with 10,700 tons, Aichi 4th with 11,000 tons, Kumamoto 3rd with 12,100 tons, Fukuoka 2nd with 16,600 tons, and Tochigi tops the list with 24,400 tons. Notably, Tochigi has held the top spot for 21 consecutive years! Dubbed the “Strawberry Kingdom of Tochigi,” the prefecture actively cultivates classic varieties like “Tochi Otome” and new breeds such as “Tochi Aika,” “Skyberry,” “Milkyberry,” and “Natsu Otome.”
What is the “Capital of the Strawberry Kingdom Tochigi”?
As mentioned, Tochigi is renowned as the “Strawberry Kingdom” for leading Japan in strawberry production for 21 consecutive years. Moka City, within Tochigi, ranks first in the prefecture with a staggering sales figure of 8.6 billion yen. They actively promote themselves as “Japan’s No.1 Strawberry City” by displaying banners and strawberry balloons every 15th of the month. Strawberry cultivation in Moka began in the early Showa period as a secondary crop for rice farmers. Through trial and error, and with farmers sharing knowledge, Moka’s strawberries have maintained the top spot in both production volume and value since 1994. In 2023, Moka declared itself the “Capital of the Strawberry Kingdom Tochigi.”
Varieties of Strawberries
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Japan boasts about 300 strawberry varieties. Some even say that over half of the world’s strawberry varieties are of Japanese origin. With many enthusiasts in Japan, continuous breeding has led to the emergence of unique new varieties. Just to name a few of the top-producing varieties: Sagahonoka, Sanuki Hime, Yayoi Hime, Mou Ikko, Strawberry San, Akihime, Yumenoka, Beni Hoppe, Kirapi Kao, Yubeni, Hino Shizuku, Amaou, Tochi Hime, and Tochi Otome.
Strawberry Breeding
One might wonder how strawberries are bred. The process is intricate, involving selection, crossbreeding, genetic engineering, and gene splicing. Flowers are emasculated, pollinated with different pollen, bagged to prevent cross-pollination, and allowed to mature. Seeds are then harvested from the fruit, planted, and the resulting seedlings are cultivated. Breeding can be costly and time-consuming, and there are concerns about pests, diseases, and potential health risks from genetic manipulation. However, the benefits include flavorful and delicious strawberries available at affordable prices.
Are Strawberries Profitable?
Strawberries are grown in controlled environments, allowing for easy adjustment of humidity and sunlight. They offer predictable revenue, can be sold at high prices depending on the variety, and costs can be reduced through strategies like strawberry picking events and on-farm cafes. The luxury variety called “Bijin Hime” sells for an astonishing 50,000 yen per berry, suggesting significant potential profits for those who can cultivate such high-end varieties.
The Strawberry mansion
A Strawberry Worth 50,000 Yen!?
Yes, there’s a luxury strawberry that costs 50,000 yen per berry. Cultivated by Okuda Farm in Gifu Prefecture, this large variety called “Bijin Hime” weighs between 40g to 100g. It’s a rare strawberry with limited availability in the market. Despite its size, it has a rich flavor, with a subtle acidity and a sugar content of 13-16 degrees. It’s exported to Dubai, UAE, highlighting its high demand internationally.
Spending 50,000 yen on a strawberry might be shocking, but Japanese strawberries, with their vast variety and exquisite taste, are truly world-class! After years of development, it’s essential for us, the residents of Japan, to enjoy these delicious strawberries and recommend them to tourists. We hope you enjoyed this two-part series on strawberry trivia!
Reference Links (As of October 20, 2023 – Japanese Only):
