If you are ready to splurge, Amaou Strawberries might make your day.
At $1 a piece they can be considered as a treat and for many Japanese a luxury.
The Amaou are part of Japan's agricultural export efforts as Agricultural exporters pick quality option by Mure Dickie (FT, April 23, 2009) explains.
Since most Japanese farms are small, their best chance to prosper is by growing high quality crops that can fetch high prices, quality versus quantity.
In Ichigo-Strawberries (Jetro USA, Cool Japan Food) I learned that Japanese strawberries can weigh up to 40g a piece and that the most common varieties
are Toyo-no-ka, Sachi-no-ka and Tochi-otome.
They describe the
Amaou Strawberries (in bruscetta form, pictured above, pronounced "ah-mah-oh") as a variety produced in Fukuoka, red and large on the outside and perfectly sweet and tart inside.
According to the same piece 5 to 8 Amaou strawberries provide
enough Vitamin C to satisfy the body's daily requirements.
To your health and gournet taste for Tokyo Thursdays #85
Previously: Hey Mr.DJ, Spin Your Wheels, Play that Suzuki Album