Furano Melon

Furano melon is an orange fleshed melon representing Hokkaido, known for its vivid color and overflowing sweetness. The Furano basin, with its large swing between day and night temperatures, is an ideal land for raising melons of high sugar content. Its mellow sweetness reaching around fifteen degrees of sugar and its refined aroma captivate many people.

Highlights

- Thick, vivid orange flesh that is sweet right up to the rind - A mellow, deep sweetness reaching around fifteen degrees of sugar - Furano brand orange fleshed varieties such as Rupia Red and Renon - A rich taste unique to a basin with large daily temperature swings

Enjoying the Seasons

Furano melon is in season from late June to mid August, with a harvest from mid June to early September, on the longer side for a Hokkaido melon. Visiting summer Furano colored by lavender fields and tasting a chilled melon on the spot is an exceptional experience. The luxury of cutting it in half and scooping it with a spoon is unique to this season.

Access and Basic Information

- Area: the Furano basin centered on Furano city - Access: available around JR Furano Station and at farm stands and tourist orchards - Price range: wide ranging depending on quality and size - Note: popular at farm stands and through hometown tax donation during the tourist season

A Quick Tip

After harvest, let it ripen at room temperature, then chill it once it reaches its prime to bring out the sweetness. When the aroma grows strong and the bottom yields slightly to a light press, it is a sign that it is ready to eat.