In Japan's northeastern Aomori Prefecture, a group gathered to excavate apples stored beneath snow. Approximately 30 individuals, including tourists, participated in the annual event, organized by a local fruit company in a highland area of the Hakkoda mountain range, situated at an elevation of about 750 meters.
Heavy machinery facilitated the breaking of over four meters of accumulated snow. Participants then utilized shovels to uncover wooden crates containing 30,000 Sun Fuji apples. These apples had been stored under snow for approximately two months, benefiting from stable temperature and humidity conditions, which contribute to enhanced sweetness.
Among the participants was a woman in her 20s from Nara Prefecture, western Japan, who remarked, "I feel like the apples are sweeter than the ones I usually eat. They are so fresh and delicious." The apples are set to be available in supermarkets nationwide starting Thursday.
Source: NHK World