Strawberry
Strawberry
Rich in vitamin C, which is good for health and beauty, strawberries can also be enjoyed processed in products such as jam and juice.'Tochiotome' is the main variety grown in Ibaraki, but a number of other varieties, such as the Ibaraki original brand 'Ibarakiss', praised for its rich sweetness and juiciness, are also grown here.
Hokota-shi / Namegata-shi / Chikusei-shi / Omitama-shi / Ishioka-shi / Ibaraki-machi / Mito-shi
High sugar content, well-balanced acidity, juicy
'Ibarakiss'
- Features of 'Ibarakiss'
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Developed over a period of 8 years
'Ibarakiss' is Ibaraki's own cultivated variety registered in December 2012. 'Ibarakiss' was born from crossing of the firm-fruited 'Tochiotome' (female parent) and the hybrid (male parent) of the sweet big-fruited 'Red pearl' and tender 'Akihime' which has less acidity. 'Ibarakiss' was developed over a period of 8 years by a group of scientists who have repeatedly assessed and screened each plant's color, shape and deliciousness from 10, 000 kinds of plants which have been designed from various combinations of crossbred fruits. Also, 'Ibarakiss' Brand Study Group focuses on making "High Quality Ibarakiss". "High Quality Ibarakiss" is defined as a beautifully-shaped, big-fruited 'Ibarakiss' strawberry, which weighs 30g or more. Only one or two such strawberries out of 100 can be found.
- Our commitment
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Entire team members join forces to control quality
Cultivation of 'Ibarakiss' requires ingenious attempts and efforts every year, even for a professional strawberry farmer as its method of seedling cultivation and field control is different from that of 'Tochiotome', Ibaraki's leading cultivated variety. One especially characteristic trait of 'Ibarakiss' is its beautiful fusiform shape (tapered at both ends), however having proper soil is very important as over-activated growth makes the strawberries lose their shape. Therefore JA Namegata and JA Ibaraki-asahimura, the major 'Ibarakiss' growers, deploy fertilizer designing based on the results of soil analysis. Entire team members also work on a traceability system with the implementation of pest control records and residual pesticide tests. Strawberries grown with such ingenuity and efforts are flavorsome and juicy having a sweet rich flavor, and well-balanced acidity.
- Highlights of 'Ibarakiss'
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- Ibaraki's own cultivated variety selected from more than 10, 000 cultivated varieties over a period of 8 years
- High sugar content, well-balanced acidity, juicy
- Moderate crunchiness, beautifully spindle‐shaped appearance