Every season in Japan brings a large bounty of fresh fish, crisp vegetables, fruit, and a plethora of unique sweets! Today’s article is about winter fruits!
Fruits are available all year round thanks to greenhouses and importing them from abroad, but there are two fruits that are at their peak in winter. These two fruits may be very familiar to you: oranges and lemons!
These two citrus fruits are juicy and fresh even in winter.
An interesting fact about oranges this winter:
Have you ever seen 餅つき (mochitsuki)?
It is said that during the New Year a god called “Toshigami” comes to draw out the spirit of the new year!
The god is associated with rice cakes, mochi, and a decoration of mochi topped with an orange called “mochitsuki” is put up to honor the god.
Oranges are used these days instead of the traditional fruit which was called “daidai”
This is because oranges are cheaper and more accessible!
The meaning of the orange atop the mochi is a wish that one’s family will last for many generations.
Japanese Vocabulary
- Mikan (みかん): Also known as mandarin oranges or satsumas, mikan are a popular winter fruit in Japan. They are easy to peel and are sweet and juicy.
- Nashi (なし): Nashi, or Japanese pear, is another common winter fruit. It has a crisp texture and a sweet, refreshing taste.
- Yuzu (ゆず): Yuzu is a citrus fruit with a fragrant aroma and a tart flavor. It is often used in cooking and for making yuzu tea.
- Persimmon (柿 – かき, kaki): Persimmons are a winter fruit in Japan, known for their sweet flavor and soft texture when ripe.
- Kaki (柿 – かき): Kaki, or Japanese persimmon, is a popular winter fruit. It can be eaten fresh or dried, and it has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
- Ponkan (ポンカン): Ponkan is a type of citrus fruit similar to tangerines. It is sweet and juicy, making it a favorite during the winter months.
- Kiwifruit (キウイ): While kiwifruit is available year-round, it is particularly abundant in winter. It is known for its bright green flesh and sweet-tart flavor.
