Fully Ripe Mango Taiyo no Tamago

Melting flesh, rich sweetness, overflowing juice. Among the fully ripe mangoes raised bathed in the Miyazaki sun, the specially selected pinnacle is Taiyo no Tamago. Ripened on the tree and harvested only after it falls naturally, this fruit is the height of the luxury that Miyazaki takes pride in.

Highlights

The greatest feature of Miyazaki mango lies in its cultivation method, ripening on the tree and harvesting only fruit that falls naturally. By catching each falling fruit in a net and waiting for full ripeness, the mango turns out far sweeter and softer than ordinary ones. Among the ripe mangoes harvested this way, only fruit clearing a strict standard is permitted to bear the brand Taiyo no Tamago. That proportion is very small, and its rarity supports its value as a luxury brand. The deep, melting orange of the cross section is the very proof of full ripeness.

Enjoying the Seasons

The season is early summer. It appears only from around mid April to July, and at the peak of early summer the markets and direct sales stands come alive. The finest way to eat it is to chill it, cut it in half as is, and scoop it with a spoon. At local confectioners, sweets using seasonal mango such as parfaits, shaved ice, and pudding line the counters, coloring the pleasures of the journey. Because the shipping period is limited, it is a taste unique to a Miyazaki trip in this season.

Access and Basic Information

You can buy it in season at direct sales stands and JA product halls throughout the prefecture. Ripe mangoes for gifts are available at Miyazaki Airport and product halls, and shipping nationwide from the production area is possible. Visiting in season lets you taste it at exceptional freshness. As a luxury brand, gift demand is high, and a single fruit in a decorative box is chosen as a special present.

A Quick Tip

After buying, let it ripen further at room temperature and judge the eating moment once the sweet fragrance rises. A light chill in the refrigerator tightens the sweetness. Not over chilling until just before cutting is the trick to enjoying the aroma to the fullest.

Practical Travel Notes

• Taiyo no Tamago is a top grade brand meeting a strict standard even among fully ripe mangoes. Only a small share of fruit may bear the name.
• Its features are tree ripening and natural fall. Each fruit is caught in a net to await full ripeness, making it very sweet and soft.
• The season is short, from around mid April to July. It is a seasonal taste to be enjoyed on a Miyazaki trip in this period.
• Available at direct sales stands, JA product halls, and Miyazaki Airport. Nationwide shipping is possible, and gift boxes are popular.
• It is at its best after further ripening. Once the sweet fragrance rises at room temperature, a light chill just before cutting brings out the flavor.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Shipping season (peak): April to July (official Miyazaki Prefecture information). JA Miyazaki Keizairen states that in some years shipments are expected to continue until around August
• Brand certification standard: Only fully tree-ripened Miyazaki mangoes that have fallen naturally and meet the standards set by JA Miyazaki Keizairen, including a sugar content of 15 degrees or more and a weight of 350 g or more per fruit, may be sold as "Taiyo no Tamago" (the brand was created in 1998)
• Public facility where you can buy them: Miyazaki Bussankan KONNE (1-6 Miyata-cho, Miyazaki City, 1st floor of Miyazaki Prefectural Government Building No. 8 / open 9:00-18:00 / please use the visitors' parking lot of the Miyazaki Prefectural Government / operated by the Miyazaki Prefecture Trade and Industry Promotion Center, a public interest incorporated association)
• Points to note: Fresh, fully ripened mangoes do not keep long, so enjoy them soon after purchase. If you have them shipped, it is best to eat them as soon as they arrive

* Opening hours, prices and stock vary from shop to shop. Shipping timing shifts earlier or later depending on the weather.

(Sources: official Miyazaki Prefecture website, JA Miyazaki Keizairen official website, official website of the Miyazaki Prefecture Trade and Industry Promotion Center)