What Is the Sweetest Peach Variety in Japan: Hana Yome, Hakuhō, and Shimizu Hakutō Flavor and Harvest Periods
Okayama Prefecture is known nationwide as the hometown of "Momotarō," and the peach blossom has also become Okayama Prefecture's "prefectural flower." The grafting time and method for peach trees in Japan differ from the grafting time and method for peach trees in our country. Peach cultivation in Okayama Prefecture began in Meiji 8, after
Okayama Prefecture is known nationwide as the hometown of "Momotarō," and the peach blossom has also become Okayama Prefecture's "prefectural flower." Japan'sgrafting time and method for peach trees differ from our country's grafting time and method for peach trees.
Peach cultivation in Okayama Prefecture began in Meiji 8, after "Tianjin honey peach" and "Shanghai honey peach" were introduced from China, and formal cultivation began. The favorable climate and local customs, combined with cultivation techniques accumulated over many years, have made this place one of Japan's few leading honey peach production areas.
Among these, the "Hakutō," each and every fruit must be individually bagged and carefully cultivated before it can become a soft, white, tender honey peach. Therefore, it requires a great deal of effort and labor, but in order to cultivate this honey peach that is unforgettable once tasted, it is a necessary process.
[Hana Yome]
[Hana Yome]
Hana Yome, an extremely early-ripening variety, is a relatively small honey peach, but it is an excellent variety with full sweetness.
In the past, people had to wait until summer to taste honey peaches, but now the Hana Yome variety can be tasted before July. Its slightly red, beautiful appearance is very popular, and it is a honey peach that lets you feel the season earlier.
The harvest period is from late June to early July.
[Hakuhō]
Hakuhō, with its soft texture, rich juiciness, and high sweetness, has many fans, and holds a status in Okayama as important as Shimizu Hakutō.
Hakuhō cultivated in Okayama is evaluated as high quality. Although it has a deep sweetness, its aftertaste in the mouth is very refreshing, and you can enjoy the original deliciousness of white peach.
The harvest period is from mid-July to late July.
[Shimizu Hakutō]
Shimizu Hakutō, with its soft milky white appearance tinged with some pink, gives a sense of extraordinary dignity, and is the white peach that represents Okayama.
Its flesh is extremely soft, with rich juice and the sweet aroma unique to honey peaches; it can be called the queen among peaches.
This Shimizu Hakutō has many fans, and people wait every year for Shimizu Hakutō to come on the market; it is also quite popular as a gift.
The harvest period is from late July to mid-August.
