Aomori producers urged to ensure timely harvest of Toki apples

Agricultural organizations and authorities in Aomori Prefecture are urging producers to ensure the timely harvest of ‘Toki’ apples to maintain export quality. This initiative follows issues encountered during previous exports to Taiwan, where premature harvesting led to ‘bitter pit’ physiological disorders and poor flavor.

To avoid repeating these mistakes, particularly regarding the high demand during Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival, the Tsugaru Hirosaki Agricultural Cooperative has set its intake period from September 22 to October 20. Governor Soichiro Miyashita has also called for strict adherence to proper harvesting and rigorous selection processes.

Efforts to improve quality include the development of color sensors by local companies and universities to help farmers accurately judge ripeness in yellow-skinned varieties, which can be more difficult to assess than red varieties.