Junoheart, a new variety of cherries with a distinctive heart shape will be sold throughout Japan, with the pre-orders starting in June.
Although a limited amount has been produced, Aomori Prefecture -- which plans to sell the cherries nationwide this year -- hopes that Junoheart will become a new big-name brand to attract consumers.
Junoheart was developed independently by the prefectural government, and became a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection and Seed Law in 2013.
A large amount of flesh, a diameter of over 28 millimeters and a high sugar content are what make Junoheart cherries different from other cherries.
Last year, 330 kilograms were harvested and sold only within the prefecture.
The largest and highest quality ones are called Aomori Heartbeat and are marketed as top quality products.
This year's harvest of Junoheart is expected to take place around June 30 and be roughly 600 kilograms, or about 52,000 cherries -- 1.8 times higher than last year's haul.
Within the prefecture, the price of a box of 15 cherries is set at 5,000 yen (including tax) and reservations can be made through Sakurano Department Store's Aomori outlet from June 2-14, Nakasan store's Hirosaki outlet from June 3-20, and Miharuya from June 5-20.
As each store has a limited number of boxes, reservations will no longer be accepted once they are sold out. This year, the cherries are also expected to be sold in department stores in Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture.
"While production is still limited, we'd like to make the most of their scarcity to promote the cherries," an official of the prefectural government said.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
