Shipment of an ultra-early-ripening tangerine varietal called the Gokuwase Mikan has reached its peak in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Workers have been busy sorting the fruit by hand and machine for packing into boxes one after another at the JA Nansun Nishiura citrus sorting station.
This year, there had been concern that heavy rains in July and August would affect the fruit's growth. But those concerns cleared along with the skies in September.
This season's crop is said to have a crisp and refreshing taste while still being sweet.
"I hope consumers can savor these tangerines that have the perfect amount of acidity," said a 71-year-old farmer in the city.
By the end of October, about 900 tons of tangerines are expected to be distributed throughout Shizuoka Prefecture, the Tokyo metropolitan area, and beyond.
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