"It is peach time in Japan and with peaches one thinks of Okayama, a prefecture in the west of the country, known as "The Land of Sunshine." Little rain and many hours of sunshine make a very favourable climate for the cultivation of peaches and 56.1% of the Japanese peach production takes place in Okayama. The most popular variety is Shimizu Hakuto - a white peach - and white does not only refer to the colour of the pulp, but even more to the colour of the peel, which is obtained in a very special way, as the peaches are grown in small paper bags" Henk de Bruine of Apex says.
"Originally the delicate peaches were everywhere in Japan supplied in paper wrapping to protect against damaging insects and unfavourable weather influences. However, with the arrival of plant protection the little bags became superfluous and were no longer used. Except in Okayama, where up until
today the peach cultivation takes place mainly by using small paper bags. The opening at the bottom allows filtered light, which results in an appealing slight flush as a visual accent."
"A necessary condition for growth and fruit forming is a good water housekeeping and the peach will do best in a kind of soil, which holds on to water, not too wet and not too dry. Close control is kept on this and during the rainy season the soil is sometimes covered with a watertight ground sheet. A lot of sunlight and sun heat in Okayama have a positive effect on the quantity of sugars and when ripening on the tree the sugar content increases further. And the combination with the applied techniques take care of a lovely, juicy, somewhat sweet fruit with an appealing aroma."
"Is this the most perfect and nicest peach in the world? As far as the Japanese are concerned an unconditional 'yes' and actually I must agree with them" Henk concludes.
"A necessary condition for growth and fruit forming is a good water housekeeping and the peach will do best in a kind of soil, which holds on to water, not too wet and not too dry. Close control is kept on this and during the rainy season the soil is sometimes covered with a watertight ground sheet. A lot of sunlight and sun heat in Okayama have a positive effect on the quantity of sugars and when ripening on the tree the sugar content increases further. And the combination with the applied techniques take care of a lovely, juicy, somewhat sweet fruit with an appealing aroma."
"Is this the most perfect and nicest peach in the world? As far as the Japanese are concerned an unconditional 'yes' and actually I must agree with them" Henk concludes.
