Tuesday, June 20, 2023
The first shipment of Hokuryu melons took place on Sunday, June 18th at the agricultural product collection and shipping facility of the JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch. The following day, on Monday, June 19th, at 6:50 a.m., the first auction of Hokuryu sunflower melons took place at Kyokuichi Co., Ltd.'s Kyokuichi Fruit and Vegetable Auction (Asahikawa City).
Kyokuichi Fruit and Vegetable Auction (Asahikawa City)
At Kyokuichi Fruit and Vegetable Auction, a huge selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables from Hokkaido is gathered, and the mellow aroma fills the market.
First Hokuryu Sunflower Melon Auction in 2023!
Hokuryu Sunflower Melon
In the center, a row of newly shipped Hokuryu sunflower melons are lined up.
"One case contains 5 excellent quality melons" - a magnificent Hokuryu sunflower melon!
The pre-auction tasting and post-auction breakfast events that have been held until now have been postponed for the past few years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Greetings from Mayor Yutaka Sano of Hokuryu Town
First, a greeting from Hokuryu Town Mayor Yutaka Sano.
"Today marks the first auction of Hokuryu sunflower melons. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone for their continued support.
We were a little worried because we haven't had much dry weather, but this year's melons are very sweet and delicious.
"All the producers are working hard, so we ask for your continued support," said Mayor Yutaka Sano in his greeting.
A talk by Yasunori Watanabe (Hokuryu Melon Producers Association)
![Left: Mayor Yutaka Sano Right: Yasunori Watanabe [Image source: Hokuryu Mayor Yutaka Sano Activity Report Facebook Page]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AJFCJaUFkgxbb58Go_D7GyA3RHeKxKWSq7B6vRAn28u-h9KcRyPq6K59sFIwBB97k-NbsjE2ec8bMTlJZv5Egrh0fWc423-L2F3qXfcmuYAHAMbuWK-PLc_FdCcPsoK4KUcz0ISHPBypN6um73Y2iK5p96zP=w2284-h1708-s-no?authuser=0)
"This year, the snow melted early, but the low temperatures continued until the end of April, during the most important period for the bulbs to grow, so the bulbs were unable to grow large.
However, because of the large temperature difference, the sugar content was high and the fruit was delicious.
This year's cultivation was extremely difficult, as we had to manage the temperature to cope with the cold and ensure the fruit grew large.
"We hope that this year as well, many more people will be able to enjoy the refreshing, delicious Hokuryu melons that we have grown with care and sincerity," said Watanabe.
A quick bid
Then the auction begins, with the brokers' spirited shouts ringing out!
The bid was won in a flash! The gift price was 100,000 yen (1 box of 5 balls)! Congratulations!
At the Kitaryu Melon Production Association, 25 households are involved in cultivation, and shipments will continue until mid-August.
The Hokuryu Sunflower Melon is a green-fleshed melon that is fresh and juicy, boasting a mellow, elegant sweetness and a rich fragrance.
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we wish the Hokuryu melon, shining with a dazzling delicious light, a glorious start as it sets off across the country...
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
As a wholesaler at the Asahiichi Asahikawa Regional Wholesale Market, the main market in the northern Hokkaido region, we handle all categories of seafood, fruits and vegetables, and livestock.
▶ Kyokuichi Co., Ltd. website is here >>
◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (Photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
