Jelly that grows on trees

When it comes to grapes, there's Shine Muscat, and for cherries, it's Sato Nishiki. In the world of Japanese fruits, there are exceptional varieties. Among them is a fruit variety that's still relatively unknown nationwide in Japan but promises a unique moment of delight when savored. Enter the 'Beni Madonna.'

In Japan, when you think of oranges, you usually picture a common and everyday fruit. Oranges are known for their affordability, long shelf life at room temperature, ease of peeling, and just the right size. The combination of a kotatsu (Japanese traditional heating table) and oranges has long been a symbol of Japan's winter traditions.

However, the 'Beni Madonna' demands a change in this familiar perception of oranges. This exceptional fruit hails from the citrus paradise of Ehime Prefecture, where you can almost get orange juice by twisting a tap. While the 'Beni Madonna' commands a price tag over ten times that of regular oranges, its taste undoubtedly justifies the cost.

With its thin peel, it's best to cut the 'Beni Madonna' into eight perfect slices, and then sink your teeth into the exquisite flesh. Describing it as 'jelly on a tree' is strangely apt. It's incredibly juicy, with a sweetness that melts in your mouth, resembling nothing short of celestial joy.

Those who taste it, myself included, inevitably change their attitude towards oranges. This fruit deserves to be treated as the star!

In recent times, around November, you can find it in high-end supermarkets in Tokyo and beyond. Since its season is short, I highly recommend grabbing one when you come across it.

Please note that 'Beni Madonna' is a registered trademark of a Japanese agricultural cooperative (JA) and is known by its cultivar name, 'Ehime Kashi Dai 28 Gou.' Some similar fruits may be sold under different trademarks at a slightly lower price, so if you're planning to indulge, consider seeking them out directly from the producer online.