Kawachi Bankan, which is characterized by its juicy juice, has begun harvesting in Ainan Town, Ehime Prefecture.
Kawachi Bankan is a citrus fruit popular for its juicy juice and well-balanced sweetness and sourness, and is cultivated by more than 220 farmers in Ainan Town.
Expansion of overseas sales channels
Of these, Hitoshi Kono's 6-hectare field has been harvested since the beginning of last month.
Mr. Kono and his employees carefully picked the fruits, which were about 10 centimeters in diameter, one by one using scissors.
Ainan Town produces more than half of the nationwide production of Kawachi Bankan, and in recent years, the prefecture has taken the lead in expanding its overseas sales channels.
Harvest until summer Shipping to Kansai and the Tokyo metropolitan area
According to Mr. Kono, they are stored in a warehouse for about a month after being harvested, and are shipped after removing the acidity.
Mr. Kono said, "Although there are more fruits that have fallen due to drying this year, the quality is good and I would like you to taste the juicy fruits."
The harvest of Kawachi Bankan continues until summer, and it is shipped not only within Ehime Prefecture but also to Kansai and the Tokyo metropolitan area.