We will introduce everything from the secrets of their deliciousness to the Toyotomi variety of varieties, tourist farms in the prefecture where you can enjoy harvesting experiences, and popular souvenirs made with grapes.
2024.05.17-
Table of Contents
- Why Okayama Grapes are Delicious
- Okayama Grape Varieties and Characteristics
- Grape Picking Farm Recommendations
- Buy grapes at a farm shop
- Delicious Ways to Enjoy Grapes
- Grape-Based Sweets and Souvenirs
Why Okayama Grapes are Delicious
Reason 1 for its deliciousness: The warm climate of the Setouchi
"The warm climate with little rain is ideal for grape cultivation!"Okayama Prefecture is blessed with the warm climate of the Setouchi and many sunny days, making it an ideal place for grape cultivation. The Takaharu in the northern part of the prefecture have large temperature differences between day and night, which allows sweet, high-quality grapes to be grown. You can enjoy a variety of grapes as seasonal delicacies throughout the prefecture.
Reason 2 for its deliciousness: The history of grape cultivation
"Japan's first successful cultivation of Muscat of Alexandria" Grape cultivation began in Japan approximately 130 years ago. However, initially, cultivation was difficult as grapes could not adapt to the climate. However, in 1886 (Meiji 19), greenhouse cultivation was invented in Okayama Prefecture, and the first successful cultivation of Muscat of Alexandria in Japan was achieved. Since then, greenhouse cultivation techniques have been pursued, and a wide variety of grape varieties have been cultivated using the skills and efforts inherited from our predecessors.
Reason 3 for its deliciousness: Advanced cultivation techniques
"We've devised cultivation methods to ensure that fresh grapes can be enjoyed for a long period of time." Growers are making technological advances in greenhouse cultivation, and by passing on these techniques, high-quality grapes are being produced. In the southern part of the prefecture, greenhouse cultivation allows for early shipments between April and August, while in the northern part, open-field (unheated) cultivation takes advantage of the temperature difference, allowing for shipments between September and December. By utilizing cultivation methods that take advantage of the characteristics of each region, fresh grapes can now be enjoyed in Okayama Prefecture for a long period of time, from April to December. Furthermore, careful work such as "thinning out the grapes" and "bagging" allows for the harvesting of large, well-shaped grapes, making them popular as a luxury gift fruit.
Okayama Grape Varieties and Characteristics
A wide variety of grapes are grown in Okayama Prefecture. From Muscat of Alexandria and Pione, which boast the highest production volume in Japan, to Seto Giants and Aurora Black, both of which originated in Okayama , the new Shine Muscat, and the rare winter grape Shien, the rich variety offers a wide range of textures and flavors. Find your favorite grapes!
Muscat of Alexandria
No. 1 in national production!
This is one of Okayama Prefecture's proud premium grapes. The beautiful emerald green fruit is enveloped in an elegant fragrance and fresh juice. Known as the "Queen of Fruits" because Cleopatra loved to eat it, it has fascinated many people since ancient times. It is recommended as a gift for a special person or as a luxurious souvenir.
[Shipping estimate: May to November]
Pione
No. 1 in national production!
The secret to its popularity is its large, juicy fruit with a strong sweetness. Seedless Pione grapes are now commonplace, but it was Okayama Prefecture that developed the seedless variety. The beautiful black fruit peels easily and is easy to eat, making it popular with a wide range of people, from the elderly to children.
[Shipping estimate: May to November]
Shine Muscat
A variety born in 2006!
The appeal of these grapes is that they are large, seedless, and can be eaten skin and all. The moment you bite into them, they pop with a crisp sound, and you can enjoy their chewy texture. This is a new variety of grape with a refreshing, subtle Muscat aroma.
[Shipping estimate: July to October]
Seto Giants
Grapes originating from Okayama!
This popular variety has a crisp texture followed by a refreshing sweet and sour taste that fills your mouth. It is seedless and can be eaten with the skin on. The large fruit has a distinctive peach-like curve. This Okayama was born in Okayama and is a cross between "Gusarcolor" and "Neo Muscat."
[Shipping estimate: July to November]
Aurora Black
Grapes originating from Okayama!
This variety, originally from Okayama, has large, satisfying fruits. It has a high sugar content and a deep sweetness that is appealing. It is gaining attention as a black grape, second only to Pione and Kyoho. It keeps well, making it a popular gift.
[Shipping estimate: May to October]
Shion
A rare winter grape!
These beautiful, elegant wine-red grapes have a unique texture and release juicy juice with every bite. They are seedless and the skin comes off easily, making them popular with even small children.
[Shipping estimate: October to December]
Grape Picking Farm Recommendations
Buy grapes at a farm shop
Freshly picked grapes are available at farm stands attached to roadside stations and JA in Okayama Prefecture. You can purchase grapes by the bunch, and they are priced more affordably than gift-giving, so if you come across a farm stand, be sure to stop by.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Grapes
1. If you want to enjoy the flavor to the very end, start from the tip.
Eating from light to strong flavors will allow you to enjoy the food to the very end. The same goes for grapes. The bunches ripen from the shoulders, so the tips have a lighter flavor. Be sure to start eating from the tips and enjoy the food to the very end.
If you want to store it, wrap it in newspaper or paper.
To store grapes, wrap them in newspaper or paper and place them in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator. If you store them in a place where the temperature does not change much, they will stay delicious until the very last drop.
If you can't eat all the seedless grapes
If you have any seedless grapes left over, store them in the freezer. If you leave them out a little before eating, they will have a crunchy, sorbet-like texture and the sweetness of the grapes will spread throughout your mouth, giving you a unique taste experience.
Grape-Based Sweets and Souvenirs
Grape parfait
Okayama Prefecture is known as the kingdom of fruit. Okayama City, in particular, is known as the "city of fruit parfaits," where you can enjoy fruit parfaits made with fresh seasonal fruits such as muscat and pione grapes at around 30 stores in the city (varies depending on the season).
canned fruit
This exquisite delicacy is made by removing the skin and seeds from each Okayama Muscat grape by hand and then steeping it in a refined syrup. It's a delicious dessert that captures the full flavor of the season. You can eat it as is, or add it to yogurt or ice cream.
Fruit jelly
The fresh fruit from Okayama Prefecture is made into a gelee with a softer texture than regular jelly. The assortment of local specialties, Muscat, Pione, and Shimizu white peaches, is a popular souvenir.
Fruit jelly
A luxurious jelly that allows you to enjoy seasonal fruits all year round. This is a proud product that captures the flavor of fruits such as Muscat, Pione, and white peach. There is a Toyotomi of flavors and textures available.
Kibi Dango
This classic Okayama souvenir is filled with the nectar of local specialties such as Muscat grapes. It is a chewy treat with the sweetness of the fruit melting into it. Eating it chilled gives it a different flavor.
Fruit vinegar
This drinkable vinegar is made from fresh fruit juice. It has a mild, sweet taste. You can enjoy it in a variety of ways, such as mixing it with ice or milk.
wine
Okayama Prefecture is dotted with wineries of all sizes, producing delicious wines using fruits that are a specialty of the prefecture. These exquisite wines, with their elegant aroma and flavor, make the perfect souvenir for wine lovers.
Local beer
This local beer (low-malt beer) is made using natural Muscat juice and fruit, and is characterized by its sweet and elegant aroma. Its light taste with reduced bitterness makes it a great choice even for those who don't usually drink beer. Why not buy this popular fruit beer as a souvenir?
liqueur
This luxurious liqueur is made with plenty of Muscat juice from Okayama. In addition to its noble aroma, its sweet and gentle taste is especially popular with women. We recommend drinking it chilled as is, or on the rocks.
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