Takatsuki-grown Open-Field Strawberry Competition Held, Cultivated with Time and Effort
On May 7, 2026, a competition for Takatsuki-grown open-field strawberries, cultivated with great care, was held at the JA Takatsuki Abuno branch. Despite the challenges of open-field cultivation, which is susceptible to weather, the strawberries displayed excellent shape, color, luster, and uniformity, with Masao Nishijima receiving the Excellence Award.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 8, 2026 at 02:10
- 🔍 Collected: May 7, 2026 at 17:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 7, 2026 at 18:44 (1h 12m after Collected)
On Thursday, May 7, Reiwa 8 (2026), a competition for open-field strawberries, which have been produced in the Abuno area for over 70 years, was held at the JA Takatsuki Abuno branch. Despite open-field strawberries being difficult to cultivate due to their susceptibility to weather conditions, a magnificent display of strawberries, excellent in shape, color, luster, and uniformity of grains, was presented, with participating farmers competing to showcase the results of their dedicated efforts.
Open-field strawberry cultivation began in the Abuno area of Takatsuki City around Showa 25 (1950), and currently, about 30 farmers continue to cultivate them. While open-field cultivation is a method where harvest yields tend to vary due to its susceptibility to weather and pests, it is characterized by a higher aroma compared to strawberries grown in plastic greenhouses. Most strawberries on the market are greenhouse-grown, with harvesting starting around December, but open-field strawberries, grown outdoors, are harvested in May, which is the natural season for strawberries.
On this day, 16 local cultivating farmers each exhibited their carefully selected, bright red strawberries, filling the venue with a sweet fragrance. Judging was conducted based on criteria such as shape, color, luster, and uniformity of grains, with five entries selected in the primary screening. In the subsequent sugar content test, judges cut and squeezed each strawberry, measuring the juice with a refractometer to confirm the sugar levels. Ultimately, three entries received awards, and Masao Nishijima (from Nishikan, Takatsuki City) was selected for the Excellence Award. Mr. Sanou from the Osaka Prefectural Northern Agriculture and Greenery General Office, who served as a judge, commented, "I imagine there were many difficulties in cultivation due to the harsh lingering summer heat last year, but all the strawberries were excellent, well-balanced in color, luster, and shape, showing evidence of careful work."
Open-field strawberry cultivation began in the Abuno area of Takatsuki City around Showa 25 (1950), and currently, about 30 farmers continue to cultivate them. While open-field cultivation is a method where harvest yields tend to vary due to its susceptibility to weather and pests, it is characterized by a higher aroma compared to strawberries grown in plastic greenhouses. Most strawberries on the market are greenhouse-grown, with harvesting starting around December, but open-field strawberries, grown outdoors, are harvested in May, which is the natural season for strawberries.
On this day, 16 local cultivating farmers each exhibited their carefully selected, bright red strawberries, filling the venue with a sweet fragrance. Judging was conducted based on criteria such as shape, color, luster, and uniformity of grains, with five entries selected in the primary screening. In the subsequent sugar content test, judges cut and squeezed each strawberry, measuring the juice with a refractometer to confirm the sugar levels. Ultimately, three entries received awards, and Masao Nishijima (from Nishikan, Takatsuki City) was selected for the Excellence Award. Mr. Sanou from the Osaka Prefectural Northern Agriculture and Greenery General Office, who served as a judge, commented, "I imagine there were many difficulties in cultivation due to the harsh lingering summer heat last year, but all the strawberries were excellent, well-balanced in color, luster, and shape, showing evidence of careful work."