![[Wakayama Guide] When you think of Wakayama, you think of mandarin oranges! The second installment of the autumn appetite series!の画像](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2025/09/19-244733.webp)
The theme this time is everyone's favorite, mandarin oranges. Like persimmons, Wakayama is also famous as a major producer of mandarin oranges in Japan. This time, we will explore the appeal of Wakayama oranges.
2025.10.03-
Table of Contents
- Wakayama , a major mandarin orange producing region
- Wakayama mandarins are extremely popular among Edoites!
- Various ingredients and effects contained in mandarins
- How to tell if a mandarin orange is delicious
Wakayama , a major mandarin orange producing region
When you ask Japanese people, "What is the best place to produce mandarin oranges?", many of them will first mention Wakayama. This is no surprise, as Wakayama consistently boasts the highest mandarin orange harvest in the country.
Located at the southernmost tip of Honshu, Wakayama is blessed with a mild climate even in winter , making it ideal for growing Wakayama oranges, which prefer sunny, warm climates. In the Arita region of Wakayama, where Aridagawa orange cultivation is particularly popular, mandarin orange orchards stretch out across the mountains on either side of the Arita River and along the coast.
Wakayama mandarins are extremely popular among Edoites!
In fact, Wakayama orange cultivation has been thriving in Arita, Wakayama for about 450 years. The trigger that led to Arita oranges becoming popular throughout Japan was the shipment of mandarins by ship to Edo (present-day Tokyo) in 1634 .
Records show that 400 baskets of mandarins were shipped from Arita to Edo in the same year. Arita mandarins were so sweet and sour , and so highly acclaimed for their outstanding color and shape, that 2,000 baskets were sent the following year, and as many as 500,000 baskets were sent to Edo between 1716 and 1736.
This popularity in Edo led to the spread of the name " Kishu mikan."
Various ingredients and effects contained in mandarins
Two medium-sized mandarins contain enough vitamin C to provide about half (100 mg) of the recommended daily intake for adults . In addition, beta-cryptoxanthin is expected to have a preventive effect against arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis .
Furthermore, dried mandarin peel, known as "chinpi," is also highly valued as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine .
How to tell if a mandarin orange is delicious
When identifying delicious mandarins, please refer to the following.
- Deep orange color
- The skin is thin and firm
- The oil sacs (containing aromatic and oily components) that can be seen on the surface of the skin are finely textured.
- The stem (cut end of the branch) is thin.
Take this opportunity to try it!
Photo courtesy of Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
[Trivia] Arita orange cultivation has been recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System!
Arita's mandarin orange cultivation has been carried out by farmers for over 400 years, who have cultivated magnificent stone-staircase orchards, skillfully utilizing the natural conditions to introduce a variety of varieties, and making full use of storage techniques to enable long-term relay shipments.This system has been highly praised and has been designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System!
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