EE FR
November 5, 2015 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Fruit: Pricey but Pristine
Clockwise from the top: Thomas Alan Smilie, jure/bigstock.com
Taiyo Turkey Shoot
N Y
ou don’t have to be on Okinawa long to realize that some things–such as fruit–are very expensive year-round. However, the high prices of fruit simply reflect the meticulous measures farmers go through to grow the fruit; it’s a long process of trimming and nurturing until all that is left is the perfectly-shaped, delicious gem. The key is quality over quantity. Vines are pruned of excess fruit and foliage leaving only the desired crops. Crops are then able to grow uncrowded on their own vine, and nutrients can be fully concentrated to the single fruit. Each fruit is housed in its own cage and rotated daily to achieve a uniform shape and color. Farmers spend so much time perfecting fruit because in Japan, fruit is considered a luxury product.
inside
Fruit is considered a gourmet gift to give someone– typically on special occasions such as weddings, business transactions and even hospital visits. It is also given to show appreciation, courtesy and to build friendships. The Japanese perception of “quality” of fruit in Japan is deemed to be much higher than fruit from other countries. Fruit is not a dietary staple in Japan, and there is no guideline to eat a certain amount every day. Most fruit in Japan is considered more of a dessert, treat or gift. So next time you’re in a grocery store and gasp at the pricey fruits, just remember how much work, care, and time goes into making sure it is perfect.
Living at Large: Leisure Interest Classes | 3 Culture Corner: Homemade Remedies | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Kanucha Resort Stardust Fantasia | 7
eed a good excuse to play golf? How about an excuse to win a turkey for Thanksgiving? Taiyo Golf Club’s annual Turkey Shoot is on November 14. Play golf on an award-winning course with the bonus of not wrestling the crowds for a turkey for your Thanksgiving feast. Shoot for birdies like no pilgrim could ever imagine in this tee-time, individual-stroke play, 100 percent handicap event. Maximum handicaps are 36 for men and 40 for ladies. Players must have a verifiable handicap. Gift certificates and turkeys will be awarded to the top ten winners. Payouts run from $60 to $200 plus a turkey, with the top ten all receiving a turkey along with cash. Also up for the taking is an overnight stay for two with breakfast at Moon Ocean Ginowan. Sign up by November 11 for $30 at the Taiyo Pro Shop. For more information, call 622-2004/2006 or visit mccsokinawa.com/golf.
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: ESPN Watch Parties | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Class of the Week: Total Fusion | 11