Peach Picking in Okayama Prefecture is available from late June to early September. Be sure to experience the delicious summer flavors of Okayama, the kingdom of fruit, on-site. We'll introduce you to the history of peach cultivation in Okayama, the varieties and characteristics of the fruit, as well as souvenirs and sweets made with peaches!
2024.03.19-
Table of contents
- The history of peach growing in Okayama
- Okayama peach varieties and their characteristics
- 3 Recommended Farms for Peach Picking
- Where can I buy peaches?
- Must-see! Delicious ways to eat peaches
- Recommended as souvenirs! 4 sweets made with peaches
The history of peach growing in Okayama
Okayama's "brand fruit" that is the pride of the nation is characterized by its elegant white skin and refined sweetness!
Okayama's "white peach" stands out as a luxury fruit perfect for gifts. Originating from the "Tianjin Shuimitsu" and "Shanghai Shuimitsu" peaches imported from China during the Meiji period, Okayama's white peach was born in the Meiji era. Thanks to the efforts of Okayama's "father of fruit cultivation,"Oyama Masuta, and Okubo Jugoro, who invented the white peach, beautiful white peaches characterized by their refined sweetness are still produced today. Okayama Prefecture is also said to be the hometown of "Momotaro," and the peach blossom is designated as the prefectural flower.
Okayama peach varieties and their characteristics
When you think of Okayama peaches, the first thing that comes to mind is the white peach.
The peach harvest season lasts just two weeks for each variety, and they are in season from late June to August. Starting with the early-ripening peaches "Akatsuki" and "Hikawa Hakuho," you can enjoy different varieties depending on the season, such as the representative Okayama white peach "Shimizu Hakuto" which was born in Ichinomiya(Shimizu ) in Okayama Okayama City , the Otama, high-sugar "Okayama Yume Hakuto" which was born in Okayama, and "Hakurei," which is the final variety of Okayama white peach.
How peaches are made
The secret to the whiteness of Okayama white peaches is the "bagged cultivation" method unique to Okayama.
By covering each peach individually in a bag, they are protected from rain, wind, and insects, and grow into translucent white peaches that are juicy and smooth to the touch. Pruning takes place in January or February, the buds are thinned out in March, and cross-pollination takes place from early April. The bags are placed between late May and late June, and harvesting begins in late June, with harvest times varying depending on the variety.
3 Recommended Farms for Peach Picking
Where can I buy peaches?
During peach season, freshly picked white peaches are available at farmer's markets, roadside stations, and JA farm shops in Okayama Prefecture. Some peaches can be purchased in small quantities, and are priced more affordably than gift-giving peaches, so be sure to stop by. *Please contact each store for details on the varieties available and the season.
Must-see! Delicious ways to eat peaches
Which one is the most delicious?
It is said that the most delicious part of a peach is the part between the skin and the flesh. Therefore, it is important to peel the skin as thinly as possible. The best way to eat soft peaches is to chill them in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes without using a knife, and then peel them by hand.
How to eat firm peaches deliciously?
For hard peaches, cut the peach with a knife until you reach the seed, just like when cutting an avocado, then rotate it around, then hold the Joge of the peach and gently twist. Separate the peach in two, remove the seed, peel and eat. You can also mimic the process of peeling a tomato by placing it in boiling water for about 10 seconds, then cooling it in ice water, which will make the skin peel off easily and allow you to eat the delicious part.
What's the best way to cut it?
The hollowed part of the stem is less sweet, so it is recommended to cut it lengthwise. This will include both sweet and less sweet parts, making it more delicious overall.
Things to note
Be careful not to chill peaches too much, as they will lose their sweetness. For best results, place them in the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before serving to fully enjoy their sweetness.
Recommended as souvenirs! 4 sweets made with peaches
1. Peach Parfait
Okayama Prefecture is known as the fruit kingdom, with the highest production of Shimizu white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes in Japan. Okayama City is known as the "city of fruit parfaits," and you can enjoy fresh, seasonal fruit parfaits all year round at around 30 stores in the city. During the white peach harvest season, parfaits made with the entire peach are sometimes available.
2. White peach jelly
This white peach jelly is made with plenty of half a peach, and the melt-in-your-mouth flesh is sealed in. Its juicy taste makes it popular for both home use and as a gift.
3. Premium canned fruit
This premium canned fruit contains one and a half whole Shimizu white peaches, Okayama 's signature peach. Peaches are only in season for a short time, but canned peaches can be enjoyed any time of the year.
4. White peach liqueur
White peach liqueur, made by soaking peaches in shochu, is sweet and easy to drink, making it popular among women.
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