[Sayama City, Saitama] Delivering Seasonal Aromas to the Table: Edamame Harvest Begins in Sayama City!

The harvest of edamame, a taste of early summer, began in mid-May in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture. Sayama is one of the leading edamame production areas in the prefecture. We are announcing the arrival of the season so that many can enjoy the exceptional taste of "freshly harvested and boiled" edamame, available only at this time of year. The peak season is typically in mid-June, around Father's Day.

## 'Irumame': JA Irumano's Brand Edamame

Edamame is cultivated by farmers within the jurisdiction of JA Irumano (Sayama City, Tokorozawa City, Kawagoe City, etc.), and shipments reach their peak during the same period. Edamame marketed as 'Irumame' consists of produce for which the JA has consulted with farmers on variety selection. 'Irumame' is a brand of edamame focused on maintaining taste and freshness; as part of its quality preservation efforts, it uses freshness-preserving bags. Furthermore, shipping boxes are designed with holes on the top and sides to improve airflow, preventing temperature rises and quality deterioration. It has established itself as a brand product in the market. 'Irumame' is expected to be in stores by the beginning of June.

## For Those Wishing to Purchase Sayama City Agricultural Products

Located at the edge of the Musashino and Iruma plateaus in southwestern Saitama Prefecture, Sayama City is approximately 40 kilometers from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and agriculture centered on open-field cultivation has flourished. Utilizing the rich soil, various vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and edamame are produced. In particular, the city is one of the nation's leading production areas for taro.

Sayama City is also a production area for Sayama tea, one of Japan's three major tea brands. Because the tea-growing region is cool, tea trees can rest sufficiently during the winter. This increases the thickness of the tea leaves, which contributes to the richness that is a characteristic of Sayama tea.

Here are some of the stores that carry agricultural products produced in Sayama City.

*Note: Due to the arrival status at retail stores or weather conditions, agricultural products produced in Sayama City may not always be available in stores.

## Stores Selling Sayama City Agricultural Products

### Agricultural Produce Direct Sales Stores
- JA Irumano Agricultural Produce Direct Sales Store 'Agresh Genki Mura' (2085-1 Horikane, Sayama City)
- Fureai Farm Center (1166-1 Irumagawa, Sayama City)
- SAYA Market&Cafe (1-3-1 Irumagawa, Sayama City)

### Supermarkets in Sayama City
- Belc
- Yaoko
- Aeon
- Inageya
- Beisia

## Enjoy Seasonal Edamame with 'Mogu-Mogu Sayama'

We publish recipes using Sayama City vegetables.
- Cookpad 'Sayama City Official Kitchen'
- 'Mogu-Mogu Sayama' on the official Sayama City website

## 'Mogu-Mogu Sayama' Booklet

A recipe booklet featuring Sayama City vegetables is also available for purchase.
- Price: 300 yen (tax included)
- Sales location: Public Relations Division, 7th Floor, Sayama City Hall