Have you ever been grocery shopping in Japan saying, ‘what is that?’ after seeing a fruit that you have never seen before. It is because you will find almost all Japanese fruits, including some rare ones, at reasonable prices.
However, risk of buying an unidentified fruit may be a tasty treat or a nasty surprise for you based on which exotic fruit you go for. That’s why we bring you this article to look at some interesting fruits you can get in Japan which you may not encounter in your home country.
Let’s dive in!
1. The King Of Fruits – Yuzu
Yuzu is said to be the king of fruits in Japan. It grows wild in China and Tibet but cultivated in Japan since the Tang Dynasty.
Yuzu is like a cross between a lemon and a grapefruit in the taste. Its shape is round, and the color is vibrant yellow once ripe. The average size of Yuzu is about 6.5cm in diameter but can be as large as a grapefruit.
Richly aromatic, Yuzu is used in cooking and making a delightful sweet tea & jam. When eaten with dumplings or noodles, the sharp and tangy taste goes well with fish and Yuzu Ponzu sauce.
2. Japanese Persimmon – Kaki
These small round fruits are generally eaten raw in Japan after peeling and slicing. However, they can also be dried, much like apricots and figs.
Kaki comes in bright orange color. Their skin is chewy, slightly bitter, and grainy. In comparison, the inside is very sticky, squishy, and sweet. Japanese persimmon is high in glucose, and extremely delicious.
3. Japanese Pear – Nashi
It wouldn’t be incorrect to call this an Asian Pear because this type of pear is famous in all Asian countries.
Nashi looks more like apples than pears but tastes exactly like its western counterpart. The texture is crispy, rainy, and crunchy – quite juicy but undoubtedly rough on the skin.
Japanese pears are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. They contain a significant amount of water making them ideal for jams or desserts. They are also considered best as gifts on special occasions in Japan.
4. The Symbol Of Spring – Ume
Japanese plum, renowned as Ume, plays a significant role in Japanese Culture. While its flowering trees may play second fiddle to the Sakura (Cherry Blossom), its fruits are enjoyed more.
A usual way to prepare Ume is by pickling it. This is called Umeboshi and is a common ingredient in bento boxes and filling onigiri.
5. Hatsukoi no Kaori Ichigo – White Strawberry
This is the latest of Japan’s strawberry fruit variations. The name means ‘scent of first affection,’ and it is undoubtfully the most luxurious strawberry in the world. It looks and tastes like a usual strawberry, except the outer layer is pure white.
Do You Want To Learn More About Japan?
If you want to study more about Japanese culture, food, and traditions. You may enroll in one of the Japanese Semester Courses offered by Oku Sensei’s Japanese to enhance your knowledge about Japan.
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