Daiei Watermelon (Tottori): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Shipped in June and July.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Daiei Suika watermelon achieves its excellent properties by being allowed to ripen completely over a period of about 48 days after pollination. The fruit is sweet throughout, with small Brix difference between center and perimeter. It is rated highly by the market for its constantly good quality, consistency of quality and appearance across individual fruits, and stable supply.

Link with the production area

Local conditions are favorable for the production of watermelon. Fields are located in hilly terrain composed of fertile andosol soil with good water retention and drainage. Coordinated efforts by local producers over many years have resulted in the consistently excellent quality and stable supply of Daiei Suika. These include coordinating across producers the plant variety, production method, and criteria for fruit ready to ship; rigorously implementing pre-shipment quality inspections; and establishing a collective fruit selection and sorting regime.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s80.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

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These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

Watermelon grown on hills of fertile volcanic soil in Hokuei and Kotoura towns and Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture. Left to ripen fully for about 48 days after pollination, it is sweet from the center to the rind. Shared varieties and shipping standards and joint sorting keep quality and supply consistent.

Daiei Watermelon is produced in Hokuei Town and Kotoura Town in Tohaku County, and Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture.

Daiei Watermelon is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jun–Jul. Shipped in June and July.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Daiei Watermelon was registered as a Geographical Indication on June 14, 2019 (Registration No. 80). The registered producer group is Tottori Chuo Agricultural Cooperative.