Japan’s best & most premium fruits on sale during 6-month S’pore fair from now till Feb. 22, 2025

Fruits from Japan are always mind-bogglingly fragrant, pretty to look at, and without a doubt, delicious from the first to last bite.

They are, in other words, perfect.

It is little wonder that these products, farmed with the greatest care and attention to details, are so coveted in Japan that locals look forward to the fresh offerings of cultivars each time a new season rolls around.

Given Japan’s climate, certain fruits and vegetables can be grown all year round consistently and a lot of them have been shipped and enjoyed by the rest of the world as agricultural and cultural exports.

Fruits from Japan grown to perfection

Fancy a visual treat of these Japanese fruits?

Say no more, because here is a glance at what “perfection” looks like.

The only pity is that you cannot taste these pictures.

Peaches

The ancestor of all peaches in Japan is the “white peach”.

Various cultivars have been developed by improving the “white peach”.

Characterised by their delicate, soft texture and sweet scent, peaches from Japan are distinctly juicy and smooth.

They have been bred so that the tender skin can be eaten whole without peeling.

Peaches are consumed each summer and adorn cakes and tarts.

There are more than 100 cultivars of peaches in Japan.

Grapes

There are more than 100 different grape cultivars in Japan, with more being developed.

Farmers try to improve the size and flavour of grapes with selective breeding techniques.

In recent years, it is common for cultivars to have no seeds.

Japanese grapes deliver an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity.

The export volume has been increasing every year and grapes are available throughout the year, but they are in season from summer to autumn.

Strawberries

There are about 300 cultivars of strawberries in Japan.

Japanese people are believed to consume more fresh strawberries than the people of any other country due to its sheer volume.

Japanese strawberries have the reputation of being extremely sweet and juicy.

Unique strawberries are grown in various parts of Japan with carefully prepared fertile soil, cutting-edge cultivation methods, and continuous improvement of cultivars.

Strawberries are in season from winter to spring.

They are most readily available in the market from January to April.

Citrus

More than 80 types of citrus fruits are cultivated all year round.

“Unshu Mikan” is one of the most popular citrus fruits in Japan.

Temperature and water quality are strictly monitored during the cultivation of citrus fruits.

The season for ”Unshu Mikan”, which is unique to Japan, is from autumn to winter.

They are most readily available in the market from November to December.

Apples

There are about 2,000 different cultivars of apples in Japan.

Japanese apples are stunning in appearance, as they are large in size, accompanied by the sweetness and mellow aroma.

Depending on cultivars, apples deliver different flavours, appearances and aromas .

Different ways of cutting the apples produce different textures.

Harvesting of early-maturing apples begins in August.

“Honey Fuji” is mainly exported during November to January of the following year.

How Japanese fruits are farmed

To get a sense of how much meticulous work goes into farming Japanese fruits, a video about the farming techniques and approach of producers sheds light on this process.

They show how they have nailed the art and science of it, while constantly honing their craft.

Fruits from Japan coming to Singapore

The good news?

An assortment of fruits and vegetables have already landed in Singapore and are available for purchase.

From Aug. 23, 2024 to Feb. 22, 2025, the Japanese Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Fair, which has been launched in Singapore in partnership with participating stores, is bringing the fresh produce to consumers.

Hello Kitty collaboration

To mark this occasion, the Japan Fruit and Vegetables Export Promotion Council (JFEC) and the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) are collaborating with Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, on the nationwide promotion of Japanese fruits and vegetables, showcasing their quality and diversity across Japan and beyond.

2024 also happens to be the 50th anniversary of this recognised and beloved character.

As Japanese fruits and vegetables make popular gifts both domestically and overseas, they will be sold in pretty packages for the ideal present for friends and family, to be shared at gatherings.

What to expect

Don’t want to miss out on the seasonal offerings?

Not to worry, because here is a quick cheat sheet of fruits to look out for and when they will be available:

Peaches: Early June to mid-September

Grapes: Early June to mid-December

Citrus: Late June to mid-February

Persimmons: Late September to December

Strawberries: October to February

Apples: Year-round

Sweet Potatoes: Year-round

Beyond the fruit and vegetables fair at participating stores, the fruits will also be sold at other stores throughout Singapore.

More information available via Facebook and Instagram.

This sponsored article was brought to you by Japan Fruit and Vegetables Export Promotion Council.

Top photos via Japan Fruit and Vegetables Export Promotion Council & Mothership