Satsuma mandarins, or unshu mikan, are a popular winter fruit in Japan. Now, people can also buy them in summer. Many come from Peru.

Japanese people took mandarin trees to Peru many years ago. The trees grew well there. In 2018, Peru started shipping the fruit to Japan. Peru’s winter is Japan’s summer, so people in Japan can enjoy mandarins in summer.

Peruvian mandarins often look green, even when they are ready to eat. They have a sweet and fresh taste.

Satsuma mandarins, or unshu mikan, are a beloved winter fruit in Japan. Recently, they have also become available during summer, with many coming from Peru.

Japanese immigrants brought mandarin plants to Peru around 1940. They grew well and an industry was born. Exports to Japan were officially allowed in 2018. As Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere, mandarins can be harvested during its winter for Japan’s summer.

Peruvian mandarins are usually less expensive. They also often look green, even when ripe. They are ideal for summer with their balance of sweetness and sourness.

Mainly grown in Wakayama, Shizuoka, and Ehime Prefectures, satsuma mandarins, also known as unshu mikan, are loved as one of Japan’s most iconic winter fruits. Interestingly, they have recently started appearing in supermarkets even during summer. Many come all the way from Peru.

According to Peruvian authorities, Japanese immigrants brought mandarin seedlings to Peru around 1940. The warm and dry climate proved ideal for cultivation, turning it into a thriving industry. In September 2018, exports to Japan were officially approved. As the Southern Hemisphere has opposite seasons, mandarins harvested during Peru’s winter are shipped to Japan during its summer.

Peruvian mandarins tend to be less expensive than domestic varieties. They often feature green skins, even when they are fully ripe. They offer a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity, making them a refreshing summer treat.