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Taiwanese Mangoes Delight Japanese Schoolchildren in School Lunches; Sweetness and Flavor Earn Praise

Release date:2023-07-13
   In a flavorful initiative aimed at cultivating a taste for Taiwanese fruits in Japan, Taiwan's Agricultural and Food Administration (AFA), Council of Agriculture, entered into a "Memorandum of Cooperation on Strengthening Food and Cultural Development and Exchanges" with Kasama City in Ibaraki Prefecture on July 24, 2019. This partnership, rooted in food education activities that facilitate agricultural cooperation and cultural exchange, has blossomed into a fruitful venture. The AFA has been supplying bananas and pineapples as lunch fruits to primary and secondary school children in Kasama. On July 13, it once again supplied safe and high-quality Taiwanese mangoes certified by the Traceable Agricultural Products (TAP) system to six schools in the city. Approximately 2,200 schoolchildren reveled in the exquisite taste of these fresh, seasonal delights. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan joined the celebration at Tomobe Junior High School by engaging with students during the school lunch at Tomobe Junior High School. The students, enamored by the mangoes' thin skin, slender flesh, and fruity aroma, expressed their eagerness to explore more high-quality fruits from Taiwan in the future. The school staff, in turn, conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the AFA for promoting Taiwanese mangoes in their lunch programs.
   Concurrently, the AFA recognized the importance of introducing students in this temperate region to Taiwan's tropical fruits. To address this, they provided specially crafted placemats adorned with educational content written in Japanese, offering insights into the origins and harvest seasons of mangoes in Taiwan. Collaborating with the Representative Taiwan Office of Kasama City, the AFA also produced an instructional video for Japanese consumers on the art of cutting mangoes. This initiative aims to enrich the food education experience in Japanese schools and build bridges of knowledge about Taiwanese fruits.

High-Quality and Safe Taiwanese Mangoes Gain Foothold in Japan with Government Backing
   Highlighting Taiwan's rich tapestry of mango varieties—Aiwen, Jinhuang, Yuwen, Xishi, and Keitt—the AFA underscores the unique conditions of the orchards in Pingtung and Tainan, the primary cultivation grounds for Taiwanese mangoes. Nestled on hillsides boasting optimal drainage, abundant sunlight, and noticeable day-night temperature fluctuations, these areas produce mangoes characterized by thin, vibrant skin, slender flesh, rich aroma, and a harmonious blend of sweetness and sourness. The AFA, committed to ensuring the safety of these delectable mangoes, collaborates with farmers to implement a safety management system that includes practices such as fruit trimming and early fruit bagging. Additionally, the AFA provides support to facilitate the certification of these fruits under the TAP system. With exports steadily increasing, Japan has emerged as the third-largest destination for Taiwanese mangoes. As of July 10, 2023, exports reached a robust 651 metric tons, surpassing last year's 522 metric tons, signifying the growing acceptance of high-quality and safe Taiwanese mangoes in the Japanese market.

Indulge in Taiwan's Mango Season—A Sweet Invitation
   
The AFA brings forth exciting news—this year's growing season, marked by a drought, has resulted in fewer pests and diseases, yielding radiant red fruits with superior-quality tender flesh and an even richer flavor. Bursting with sugar, protein, and crude fiber, these seasonal mangoes are not just delicious but also nutritious. Whether enjoyed fresh or in processed forms, Taiwanese mangoes remain popular in both domestic and foreign markets. As the peak season unfolds in Tainan, the AFA extends an invitation to international consumers to experience the richness of Taiwan's mangoes while urging local residents to support their agricultural products during this opportune time.


 
Japanese students savoring the sweetness of Taiwanese mangoes.
Staff from Taiwan’s representative office in Japan connecting with Japanese students over a delightful school lunch.
Senior Technical Specialist Wang Chin-Yaw from the representative office participating in the school lunch exchange.
Taiwanese mangoes take center stage as school lunch fruit in Japanese schools.

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Japanese students savoring the sweetness of Taiwanese mangoes. Japanese students savoring the sweetness of Taiwanese mangoes.(jpg)
Staff from Taiwan’s representative office in Japan connecting with Japanese students over a delightful school lunch. Staff from Taiwan’s representative office in Japan connecting with Japanese students over a delightful school lunch.(jpg)
Senior Technical Specialist Wang Chin-Yaw from the representative office participating in the school lunch exchange. Senior Technical Specialist Wang Chin-Yaw from the representative office participating in the school lunch exchange.(jpg)
Taiwanese mangoes take center stage as school lunch fruit in Japanese schools. Taiwanese mangoes take center stage as school lunch fruit in Japanese schools.(jpg)

  • Origin:Fruit and Flower Industry Division
  • Refresh Date:2023-11-06