Japanese Strawberries and Fuel Use

One of the most delectable winter treats in Japan are their strawberries. Eaten sugar-coated, as mochi, in ice cream, and of course- alone; strawberries sell almost 10x any other fruit in Japan. 

Why does a spring-grown fruit sell in the winter? 

Before the demand increased to its popularity today, strawberry crops peaked during spring and early summer, just in time for a delicious summer snack. Farmers began to change their strategy as the significance of Hatsumono rose as an important component in fruit-selling.

Hatsumono is a Japanese saying representing the first fruit of the season, which is usually the most highly valued in comparison to the fruits put on the market later that season. The race for farmers to get their strawberries first on the market was pivotal, in order to charge the highest price- hence its value of Hatsumono. Over the course of multiple decades from the 1980’s, Japanese farmers kept working to grow their strawberries earlier and earlier, slowly exiting the common strawberry harvest season. This race continued until instead of strawberry season peaking in springtime, sales were booming near Christmas time.

How do farmers grow strawberries in the winter?

One of the critical factors for strawberry growing in the winter is fuel use. Fuels like kerosene are constantly used to heat greenhouses to recreate a spring-like environment for strawberries to grow in. Achieving a warm, moist environment with constant fuel ensures well-grown strawberries. Going through only one week of strawberry growth requires almost 38 kg of fuel to maintain a warm greenhouse. With farmers all over Japan aiming to harvest sooner and sooner, fuel has become the backbone of most Hatsumono strawberries arriving in the winter. Due to the expensive costs of maintaining a greenhouse with all the necessary components for strawberry cultivation, farmers looked to raise the prices in order to make back what they lost to fuel and maintenance costs. By advertising strawberries with luring, interesting names such as: Red Cheeks, Scent of Love, and more names to increase strawberry selling. Not only fuel is expensive, but it leaves a very large carbon footprint as well. With the current amount of carbon being 2.5 kg for every liter of kerosene used (typically used in greenhouses), strawberries have outused fuel more than any other fruit in Japan. 

Is there a solution for this excessive amount of fuel use?

Recently, many farmers have shifted to using a feature called a “water curtain” in greenhouses that surround the inner wall to moderate and keep the inside temperatures consistent without the use of fuel. Using water curtains not only makes greenhouse maintenance cheaper, but also ensures strawberries being grown aren’t hurting the environment with extensive fuel use. Every day, more solutions to decrease fuel use are arising and are making a better impact on our world.

In conclusion, the cultivation of strawberries has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, with farmers constantly trying to produce the earliest and most valuable Hatsumono crop. However, the use of gas-powered heaters in greenhouses to create a simulated spring environment has resulted in increased production costs. The high fuel usage required to maintain the necessary temperatures also contributes to the overall expenses of strawberry cultivation. As such, it is important for the industry to prioritize sustainable and cost-effective practices, such as the use of water curtains in greenhouses, to reduce production costs and increase profitability for farmers.

Tabuchi, H. (2023, March 18). The secret behind Japan’s delicious strawberries: Kerosene. The New York Times. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/18/climate/japan-winter-strawberries-greenhouse.html?searchResultPosition=2