| Vegetables and fruits |
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| Chiba is Japan’s No. 1 vegetable production
prefecture, and top-ranked in the nation in
terms of output of many product items, such
as peanuts, long onion, Japanese radish, carrots,
turnips, and spinach. Chiba is also proud
to be second place in Japan for its output
of tomato, cabbage, watermelon and corn. |
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* 2005 Commercial Agricultural Income Statistics
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| Peanuts |
 Even
among the first-rank products in Japan, peanuts
are Chiba prefecture’s specialty. Its production
here accounts for 76% of the entire nation. |
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| Cabbage |
 Produced
throughout the year, and in particular spring
cabbage in April through June boasts the number
one production in Japan. For spring cabbage,
“Todaijirushi” in Choshi is famous. Cabbage
contains an abundant source of vitamin C and
calcium, as well as vitamin U, which is an
anti-ulcer agent used as an ingredient for
stomach medicine. |
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| Tomato |
 We
are second place in terms of output in Japan.
“Nagaiki Tomato,” which grows in Kujukuri,
is particularly famous. The red pigment called
lycopene is an antioxidant, and its functionality,
such as its effect of preventing cancer and
lifestyle-related diseases, is attracting
much attention. |
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| Carrot |
 We
are number one in Japan, in terms of both
output and volume. A new breed called Beta
Carrot, which is sweet and perfect for salads
or juice, has been introduced -- even the
kids will enjoy its taste. |
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| Corn |
 We
hold second place in terms of output in Japan.
For corn, freshness is vital – exactly why
corn is the perfect agricultural product for
Chiba prefecture, which is close to the mass
consumption area. Recently, a type that has
high sugar content, is edible raw, and has
ears up to the end has become popular. |
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| Onion |
 Famous
for preseason shipment in Kanto. No. 1 in
taste at a reasonable price. Onion produced
in Shirako is famous. |
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| Loquat |
 Second
place in output in Japan. It has been presented
to the Emperor and Empress since the Meiji
era. When eating, the best way to peel is
to hold the stem and peel from the end part.
Its leaves can be used for medicinal tea. |
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| Watermelon |
 Tomisato
city won first place in Japan for watermelon
output in 2005. Being a diuretic, watermelon
has been said to be good for kidney diseases
since long ago. Lycopene, which is contained
in watermelon, functions to restrict active
oxygen – the principal cause of aging. |
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| Melon |
 In
Chiba melon is shipped almost throughout the
year. Amus Melon in particular is a representative
breed of household melons, and its sweetness,
juiciness, and reasonable price are attractive.
Chiba prefecture is the No.1 production area
of Amus Melon in Japan. |
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| Pear |
 Chiba’s
pear boasts number one in Japan in both growing
area and output. It has been cultivated since
the Edo era -- a history of over 200 years.
Sweet and juicy “Kosui” is harvested in August,
followed by “Hosui,” which has an excellent
balance of sourness and sweetness in September. |
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