Tochiaika Strawberries
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Tochiaika strawberries are a medium to large varietal, averaging around twenty grams in weight, and have a conical shape with broad, sloping shoulders tapering to a slightly pointed, curved tip. The variety is known for having a concave nature below the frilly, green-leafed cap, a shape only seen when the fruit is sliced in half. Cutting Tochiaika strawberries reveals a heart-like profile, a valued aesthetic quality of the cultivar. Tochiaika strawberries have a smooth, glossy, and taut surface and are covered in tiny yellow to green-brown specks that resemble seeds, described in scientific diagrams as achenes. These specks are embedded into the strawberry’s bright red surface and add a subtle crunch when consumed. Underneath the surface, the flesh showcases pale red hues with white streaks, sometimes featuring a small cavity in the center. The flesh is firm, aqueous, plump, tender, and crisp. Tochiaika strawberries release a fragrant, sweet, and green aroma when ripe and have a high sugar content, creating a sweet taste with a subtly tangy nuance.
Seasons/Availability
Tochiaika strawberries are available in the winter through early summer, typically from October to June. The variety has a peak season between December and March.
Current Facts
Tochiaika strawberries, botanically classified as Fragaria ananassa, are a Japanese variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The sweet-fleshed cultivar was released in the early 21st century and is the tenth commercial strawberry developed through breeding programs in the Tochigi Prefecture. After their debut, Tochiaika strawberries were chosen to replace Tochiotome strawberries as the top variety grown within the prefecture for their favorable cultivation qualities. The cultivar ripens approximately 10 to 20 days earlier than Tochiotome, has improved disease resistance, is easy to grow, and produces higher yields. Tochiaika strawberries are also hardier, allowing them to be transported longer distances without damage. Their coloring is vibrant, and their high sugar content creates a memorable sweet taste. In Japan, Tochiaika strawberries are also known as Tochigi i37, their varietal name, and Tochiaika is a brand name used for commercial purposes. Tochiaika strawberries are grown in greenhouses yearly and are an anticipated seasonal delicacy primarily consumed as a fresh-eating fruit.
Nutritional Value
Tochiaika strawberries are a source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and folate to assist the body in producing red blood cells. Strawberries generally contain calcium and phosphorus to support bones and teeth, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body and replenish electrolytes. Strawberries also provide vitamin A to maintain healthy organs, iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, and magnesium to control nerve functions. The red coloring within strawberries indicates the presence of anthocyanins, pigments in the fruit with antioxidant properties to reduce inflammation and guard the cells against the damage caused by free radicals.
Applications
Tochiaika strawberries have a sweet, subtly sour taste suited for fresh preparations. The variety is typically consumed out of hand and is savored for its fragrance, flavor, and shape. Tochiaika strawberries can be sliced in half, and their cut profile resembles a heart, making them a popular edible garnish and dessert decoration. The fruits are typically served sliced on top of cakes, layered into cream sandwiches, or placed on top of sponge cakes and shortcakes. In Japan, Tochiaika strawberries have a peak season around the same time as holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and New Year's. These heart-shaped fruits are a delicacy for the holidays as they symbolize joy, purity, and good fortune. Strawberries are also famously used to decorate traditional Christmas cakes in Japan. Beyond cakes, Tochiaika strawberries are layered into parfaits, incorporated into ice cream and shaved ice, or candied whole on a skewer as a crunchy snack. They are also baked into scones or layered in Daifuku mochi, a sweet and aromatic dessert. While less common, the variety can be simmered into syrups, jams, jellies, and other preserves as a sweet flavor. Tochiaika strawberries pair well with kiwis, blueberries, melon, and citrus, vanilla, chocolate, and nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts. Whole, unwashed Tochiaika strawberries have a short shelf life and should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor. They will only keep for a few days when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Tochiaika strawberries were named in a 2019 and 2020 public-held contest in Japan. Between November and December 2019, the Tochigi Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station Strawberry Research Institute conducted a blind taste test of Tochiotome and Tochiaika strawberries with 181 participants. Each participant voted for their favorite strawberry in five categories: appearance, sweetness, sourness, aroma, and texture. Tochiaika was chosen as the top variety in all five categories, leading the institute to promote the cultivar as the next famous strawberry of the Tochigi Prefecture. During the testing, a contest was also created to name the variety. The competition was held from October 2019 to March 2020. Over 2,782 votes were given in favor of Tochiaika, a moniker translating to mean “Tochigi Love Song.” Tochi refers to the Tochigi Prefecture, while “ai” means “love” and “ka” means “song.” Tochiaika was chosen to symbolize the strawberry variety as the “lovable fruit of the Tochigi Prefecture.”
Geography/History
Tochiaika strawberries are native to Japan and were developed in the early 21st century in the Tochigi Prefecture, also known as Japan’s Strawberry Kingdom. Tochigi acquired this nickname as it has been the top strawberry-producing prefecture in Japan since 1968. The prefecture also has the only strawberry institute in Japan, established in 2008, which is the origination site for Tochiaika strawberries. In 2011, Tochiaika strawberries were bred from a cross between Tochigi No. 32 and a variety named 09-48-5 at the Tochigi Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station Strawberry Research Institute. It took over seven years to breed, evaluate, and develop the new variety, and the cultivar was initially named Tochigi i37. The new strawberry was submitted for variety registration in 2018 and by 2020, the first commercial shipments were released under the brand name Tochiaika. Today, Tochiaika strawberries are commercially cultivated in the Tochigi Prefecture as a successor to the Tochiotome strawberry. Tochiaika strawberries are exclusively grown in Tochigi and are sold in specialty markets throughout Japan. The variety is somewhat rare outside of Tochigi, but there are plans to expand cultivation to create larger harvests for domestic and international export. When in season, Tochiaika strawberries are sold fresh through select growers, retailers, and wholesalers in Japan.
