After two days in Canadian stores, every box of Iwate’s “Japanese Sugar Ringo” had sold at its premium price.
“Ringo”, being the translation for “apples”, are a staple fruit amongst the Japanese.
Japanese Sugar Ringo are grown in the Iwate prefecture in the North of Japan on Honshu Island. “Ringo”, being the translation for “apples”, are a staple fruit amongst the Japanese. While Iwate is known for its premium sustainable produce, its original apple variety, the Haruka, along with its Sun Fuji and Shinano Gold apples, are standouts on the list. Iwate’s cool climate makes it suitable for growing sweet apples, with sugar content reaching 50 percent higher than average when measured on the Brix Index. This creates a translucent amber “honey core” of condensed sugar alcohols in the center of the fruit. On top of elevated flavor, this visible mark of quality is a strong selling feature.
Another aspect of Japanese Sugar Ringo’s marketability is its sustainability. Unlike conventional fruit production in North America, an apple farm in Iwate is small to medium in size and commonly grows multiple crops, while also raising livestock. This practice forms a sustainable farming cycle within individual farms, where leftovers from one crop are used to help grow others. Organic manure from livestock is used as fertilizer. Additionally, environmentally-friendly pest control, such as insect traps and pheromone lures, are used to reduce chemical pesticide usage.
These apples, including the Shinano Gold (right) grow in Iwate’s cool climate which makes it suitable for growing sweet apples.
Haruka: Haruka are one of the most exquisite apples in Japan. This original variety from Iwate features an elegant golden skin and a flavor reminiscent of a pineapple. Inside, the apples display a gem-like center called “mittsuiri” or a “honey core”. This is a natural form of sugar (sorbitol) and it fades after some time away from the tree; however, the sugar content remains as high as when harvested.
Sun Fuji: Sun Fuji differs from the standard Fuji, as this variety is grown in specific conditions where Iwate farmers carefully remove the leaves surrounding each fruit and turn the apples by hand so each receives sunlight from all directions. Each apple develops a consistent, deep shade of crimson and an even richer flavor with a delicate texture.
Left: the Haruka apple; right: the Sun Fuji.
Shinano Gold: This variety originating from Nagano, Japan, is one of the most popular varieties in Japan. This freckled golden-yellow apple grows to a massive 350g (compared to a standard apple weighing 150g). The Shinano Gold is a refreshingly juicy and crisp treat, balanced in sweetness and brightness, that as an added bonus, reveals a mouth-watering aroma when cut open.
The apple farmers of Iwate are proud of sharing their premium produce, and the positive reception to their Haruka, Sun Fuji and Shinano Gold Japanese Sugar Ringo.
For more information:
Miwa Suzuki
Valuable Link
[email protected]
https://valuablelink.ca/casestudy/iwate-japanese-apple/