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Japanese Mandarin "Aoshima"
A Slice of Excellence - The Japanese Mandarin "Aoshima"
The original Japanese mandarin is a delicious fruit that is popular during the holiday season and is traditionally used in the United States and Canada as a stocking stuffer. It is easy to peel and extremely flavorful.
The Aoshima Mandarin is an especially sweet, large cultivar of the mandarin, commonly grown in Shizuoka, central Japan.
History
The Aoshima Mandarin was discovered by Heiju Aoshima in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Though the mandarin has been popular in Japan for centuries, the Aoshima cultivar was not discovered until 1978.
The Japanese mandarin was first imported to North America in the 1890's, mainly for Japanese immigrants who were homesick for Japanese fruit.
Since this time, it has been very popular as holiday season treats, and are often put in Christmas stockings.
Did you know...
The delicious Aoshima Mandarin is arguably Japan's sweetest variety of mandarin. It has a large, flat, attractive shape, and is available late in season, between January and March. One thing that makes the Aoshima Mandarin exceptional is that after it is picked, it is stored for up to one month in order to produce the unique, sweet and rich taste that makes it so popular. Those who prefer the Aoshima Mandarin praise both the strength and depth of its flavor, as well as the way that the sweet and sour tastes compliment each other.
The Aoshima Mandarin has high Vitamin C content, making it effective for preventing common colds. It is also believed to have curative effects for sunburns, as well as preventing freckles and increasing good cholesterol.
Because of its handy size and thin, easy-peeling skin, the Aoshima Mandarin is extremely convenient to eat. Its convenience and health benefits make it an ideal mid-day snack.
