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Wakayama Arita mandarin oranges

Wakayama Arita mandarin oranges

A sweet and sour story woven by history — Arita tangerines and the climate of Kishu

About Wakayama Arita mandarin oranges

The winter fruit “mandarin orange” represents Japan. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Wakayama Prefecture (21.1%) has the highest production volume in Japan in 2023, followed by Ehime Prefecture (16.3%) and Shizuoka Prefecture (14.6%). Approximately half of the nation's mandarin oranges are produced in these top 3 prefectures, and each grows high-quality mandarin oranges that make use of the characteristics of the region.

In Wakayama Prefecture, the Arita region in particular is known as one of the nation's leading production areas. Arita oranges, which grow in terraced fields, are grown in a warm climate and well-drained land, and are characterized by low acidity and strong sweetness. The outer skin and gourd become slightly thicker, making it last longer. If you leave it in a place with a low temperature for about 1 week, the acidity will be removed and the sweetness will be emphasized, and you can eat it deliciously better than early maturing oranges. Arita mandarin oranges have a history of over 400 years, and are highly regarded both domestically and internationally for their quality and deliciousness. In the Edo period, it has been loved so long that anecdotes about Kinokuniya Bunzaemon carrying it across the sea of storms to Edo and building wealth have been handed down.

Also, Ehime Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture are well known as production areas for tangerines. Various varieties that make use of the climate and soil of each region, such as “Iyokan” from Ehime Prefecture and “Aoshima Mandarin” from Shizuoka Prefecture, are enriching Japanese mandarin orange culture. Mandarin oranges grown in these regions not only have good taste, but also contain abundant nutrients such as vitamin C, and are popular as fruits with excellent health.

The combination of kotatsu and mandarin oranges, which is a winter tradition, symbolizes the warmth of a Japanese home. This bite is filled with nature and the efforts of farmers in various regions, starting with Wakayama. Please try and compare mandarin oranges by production area and enjoy the depth of Japanese taste.