The sweltering summer has begun to show signs of ending, and the mornings and evenings have become cooler. It feels like the climate is finally suitable for the word "autumn."
When you think of "autumn," what comes to mind? As a foodie, I can't help but think of chestnuts in autumn, sweet potatoes in autumn, and sanma (Pacific saury) in autumn... I only think of seasonal foods.
Speaking of autumn fruits, the first thing that comes to my mind is grapes. When I contacted Kobayashi Agricultural Products in Tamashima, they said, "Come at the end of September."
The grapes in Kurashiki are in season in early September. I experienced grape picking and reported on the situation and the reason why Kobayashi Agricultural Products held grape picking at the end of September.
What is "Experience the Blessings of Nature! The Last Grape Harvest Experience of the Season"
"Experience the Blessings of Nature! The Last Grape Harvest Experience of the Season" is a grape picking event organized by Katsuhira Kobayashi (こばやし かつひろ) of Kobayashi Agricultural Products located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City. It was held for about two hours starting at 10 AM on September 22, 2024 (Sunday).
The grapes that can be harvested on this day are a variety called Pione, which is purple and has almost no seeds. This variety is cultivated in many grape farms within Kurashiki City, making it a familiar type of grape for the residents.
This time, not only can you eat the harvested grapes on the spot, but it is also a luxurious plan where you can take the harvested grapes home.
The Day's Events
When I arrived at Kobayashi Agricultural Products at 10 AM, about seven participants were gathered, dressed in long sleeves, long pants, and boots. This attire is for self-protection as there may be venomous snakes in the grape farm.
After a brief self-introduction, we set off for the grape farm.
Tamashima is a hilly area. The path to Kobayashi Agricultural Products' grape fields was steep, but thinking about meeting many Pione grapes made me excited, and I climbed easily with light steps.
Off to Grape Picking
Upon arriving at the grape farm, we immediately began grape picking.
The grapes to be harvested are covered with white paper bags to protect them from pests and diseases, so we select the grapes to harvest from inside those bags.
On this day, it was two weeks past the "peak" when grapes are said to be the most delicious. Some grapes were overripe or had most of their insides fallen out, so we selected the grapes to harvest while checking their size from outside the bag and looking inside the bags.
The harvested grapes can be eaten on the spot or taken home. I decided to eat the smaller bunches on the spot and take the larger bunches home.
For the grapes to take home, Mr. Kobayashi separates the edible parts from the inedible parts, packs them in bags, and then boxes them.
How to Distinguish Colorful Grapes
What was interesting was that all the grapes in the vineyard were the same "Pione," yet they came in various colors such as yellow-green, light purple, and dark purple. Mr. Kobayashi explained the differences in color and how to eat them.
Even though they are all called "Pione," there are various colors of Pione.
Kobayashi (no honorific)
That's right. The sugar content of Pione varies by color. The lighter the color, the lower the sugar content and the stronger the acidity, while the darker the color, the higher the sugar content and the sweeter it becomes. Therefore, the lighter ones are suitable for processed products like jams and compotes, while the darker ones are better for eating as they are.
Why do grapes of different colors occur?
Kobayashi
It was due to insufficient thinning of the grapes. For all the grapes to have an even color, photosynthesis is necessary, so we perform "thinning of the grapes" to ensure sunlight reaches all the grapes. However, if we thin too much, the size of the bunch will become smaller.
This would make the appearance unattractive and also cause them not to fit well in the designated boxes. Therefore, over-thinning is not good either.
Usually, in August, there is an opportunity to ship grapes for processing to the agricultural cooperative. However, this year, I wanted to see how the lighter-colored grapes would develop, so I left them on the vine until now.
The Reason for Planning Grape Picking at the End of the Season
Is there a reason for holding the grape harvest experience at a time when the season is not in full swing, but rather at the end of the season?
Kobayashi
When the season ends, all the grapes are harvested and either eaten or processed. If they are not used immediately, they are frozen for preservation.
When I thought about how to utilize all the grapes still on the vine, I thought, "Why not invite everyone to enjoy it?" and planned this grape picking event.
Indeed, the season has passed, but there were still plenty of grapes that could be eaten.
Since these are grapes that have been carefully cultivated, I want everyone to enjoy them.
Of course, since the season has passed, they need to be eaten quickly to avoid spoiling. In that sense, it is appreciated that people who can eat them on the spot or take them home right after harvesting can come.
Enjoying Colorful Grapes by Connecting Local Producers and Consumers Directly at the End of the Season
Having moved to Kurashiki from the Kanto region in December 2023, this was my first grape picking experience in Kurashiki.
In Kanto, I had often seen neatly shaped grapes lined up in supermarkets and grapes prepared for picking in orchards. However, enjoying the last grapes of the season with the producers and experiencing the process of thinking about the appropriate way to eat each grape based on its color and size was very interesting.
The prices are also wallet-friendly compared to the market rates in Kanto, so even if the shapes are irregular, they can all be delicious depending on how you eat them.
I want to continue enjoying Kurashiki's fruits while learning how to eat irregular fruits deliciously by meeting producers face to face.
Kobayashi Agricultural Products plans to operate energetically in winter as well. Next, they are planning a mikan (mandarin orange) picking event.
Data on Kobayashi Agricultural Products
| Name | Kobayashi Agricultural Products |
|---|---|
| Date of Event | September 22, 2024 (Sunday) 10 AM - 12 PM |
| Location | 1184 Kurozaki, Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 2,000 yen |
| Website | Kobayashi Agricultural Products |
