I heard that there’s a luxury fruit called the "black pearl", so I went to Miyoshi city to check them out… Under the cozy autumn skies, I discovered that the fruit is…

Miyoshi Pione, a taste of Japanese autumn!

With a history of being cultivated in Miyoshi city for over 40 years, this fruit, which is highly valued as a gift item in Hiroshima prefecture, is among the best in the whole of Japan.

I asked Mr. Izu, a farmer who belongs to the Miyoshi Pione Producer's Association, if he would mind harvesting a bunch. The grape bunches are heavy and can weigh up to nearly 800 grams!

Apparently, the fruit grows sweet and juicy thanks to the considerable temperature difference between mornings and evenings.

"Here, try one!"

The pione grape he offers me is nearly bursting!

The sweetness and rich fragrance spreading in my mouth are insatiable… My first impression is that it’s probably a fruit more suited to the adult palette. Of course, it's a flavor that kids love as well, but the peel has a rather unique, rich flavor.

At the fruit sorting area, producers from 19 farms are busy getting ready to ship the fruit. One by one, the bunches are carefully packaged so that they won't get damaged.

"Miyoshi is also known for its morning mist. Try out "black pearls" grown in a sea of mist."

While Mr. Izu, who kindly cooperated with us to create this article, is a second-generation farmer cultivating Miyoshi Pione, the third generation is currently being trained, so it seems like the history of Miyoshi Pione will continue on!

As I was given plenty of Miyoshi Pione to take home, I made a cake with them and garnished it with "Shine Muscat", a new variety they are currently working on. Oh what a moment of luxury for the autumn season. If you have the chance, do have a taste!

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Miyoshi Pione Producer’s Association
Location: 2044-1 Miyoshi Higashisakeya cho, Hiroshima Prefecture
Open: 06:00-16:00 (direct sales)
Closed: Open every day during shipping season
Tel: 0824-63-7236
http://www.miyoshipione.jp/pc/index.htm (Japanese)

Note: While most Miyoshi Pione are circulated within Hiroshima prefecture, if you’d like to order from outside the prefecture, please make an inquiry. (The selling season in 2015 lasted until mid-October.)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Izumi Furukawa

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Gourmet Gourmet Hiroshima

Written by

Izumi Furukawa

Izumi Furukawa Hello. My name is Izumi Furukawa and I was born in Kagawa Prefecture. Before getting married in 2012, I wrote for various magazine companies and Internet based media organizations in Tokyo. After marrying, I moved to Hiroshima and am now raising my child as well as writing stories about my fascination with this area through Setouchi Finder. Most of the articles I write are about places I visit on weekends with my family. My favorite driving course is Route 375 from Saijyo to the Miyoshi Area, and my favorite food from the Hiroshima area is Anagomeshi (from Miyajima)!!

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