The typical taste of pears from the Fukushima region

The flowers of the pear tree in Fukushima begin to bloom in April, then pollinate, bear fruit and can be harvested around July or August and last until December.

Nov 28, 2022 - 08:58
Feb 16, 2024 - 11:00
The typical taste of pears from the Fukushima region

According to Mr. Kanno Keiji - representative of the Fukushima Pear Association - there are 4 types of Fukushima pears, which are harvested in the order Kousui, Housui, Nijuseiki, and Niitkaa. Pears are grown by people throughout Fukushima Prefecture, accounting for 7.7% of pear production in Japan. Each type has its own characteristics.

In it, Kousui is round with smooth skin, two deep concave tops, soft and sweet. The Housui pear is larger than the Kousui pear, a single fruit weighing 350-450 grams, round in shape and slightly elongated at the ends. These two types of pears have an eye-catching yellow outer skin, even stalks, succulent and high sugar content, but still have a gentle sour taste.

The pears from the Fukushima region are fresh, succulent, with a cool sweet taste and a slight sour aftertaste, loved by many.

As for the Nijuuseiki pear, it has a round shape, a yellow-green color, and is quite thin. The flesh is succulent, the sweetness is elegant and the aroma is gentle. Meanwhile, a Niitaka pear has a weight of 800 grams to 1.5 kg, the flesh is white, soft and succulent. Pears have a medium sweetness, low acidity, and keep freshness for a long time. If stored well with the right wrapping, this pear can last up to a month.

Many tourists who have set foot in Fukushima said that coming to this land without trying delicious fruits like pears, but leaving, it would be a pity. Many fruit farms in Fukushima also have activities for visitors to pick and taste fresh, succulent, and delicious pears on the spot. This experience is very popular with families with children in Japan as well as tourists from near and far.

Mr. Kanno Keiji explained that the reason pears in the Fukushima region especially impress many tourists thanks to their succulent fruit, which balances between cool sweetness and mild sour aftertaste. This is largely due to the favorable Fukushima climate conditions for pears to grow. Late snowfall, longer hours of sunshine in the day and year… are favorable conditions for producing sweeter pear varieties than many other regions. On the other hand, Fukushima temperatures are characterized by high mornings and low evenings. Because of this temperature difference, Fukushima's pears are fresh and succulent.

Fukushima is in the Tohoku region, which is the third largest prefecture in Japan. A 1.5-hour ride from Tokyo by Shinkansen high-speed rail, Fukushima has hot springs, cherry blossoms, and beautiful walking trails. In addition to the majestic nature, coming to this rich land, you will admire the cultural - historical relics and famous architectural works of Japan.

After the 2011 earthquake, Fukushima suffered heavy damage as the nuclear plant was destroyed and the surrounding area had to be fenced off. However, always proud of having many attractive destinations, Fukushima is determined to revive the tourism industry, which is the strength of this locality. In addition, this place is also famous as an area specializing in growing fruit trees, known as "Japan's fruit kingdom", known for every season.

Specifically, every year, in Fukushima, from late July to mid-September there are peaches; mid-August to early October is grape season; mid-October to mid-November with persimmons; Late August to mid December are apples. August to the end of the year is the harvest season of pears.

-------------------
Injavi.com - Visit Japan | Visit in Japan
Guide to living, studying and working in Japan

Injavi 編集部 "InJavi" is a website that provides information for foreigners to enjoy life and visit in Japan more smoothly. This website is easy to use even for first-timers to Japan and those who are not very good at Japanese, and supports multiple languages. 「InJavi」は、外国人が日本の生活や観光をよりスムーズに楽しむための情報を提供するウェブサイトです。 初めて日本を訪れる方や日本語が苦手な方でも使いやすい、多言語対応サイトです。