The phantom citrus "Miyazaki Hebesu Fair" will be held at 174 stores nationwide from August 23 - Experience the taste that overcomes the difficult history

From August 23 (Friday) ~ September 30 (Monday), 2024, Miyazaki Prefecture will hold the "Miyazaki Hebesu Fair" at restaurants (174 stores in total) in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Miyazaki, offering dishes and alcoholic beverages using the prefecture's unique citrus fruit "Hebesu".

"Hebesu" was discovered in Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture at the end of the Edo period. From the Showa era to the Heisei era, we faced many challenges in cultivation and shipping. It was called a phantom citrus because it was below the prefectural standard, had trademark problems, had difficulty maintaining freshness, and had a small shipment volume. On the other hand, during this time, it became popular with the citizens of Hyuga and permeated the community, such as being planted in the garden.

In 2016, Hyuga City and JA Miyazaki aimed to build a production area system, and cultivation began at farmers in the prefecture outside Hyuga City. In FY2023, a full-scale harvest will be possible, and currently 111 producers in Miyazaki Prefecture (provided by Miyazaki Prefecture) are cultivating it. Shipment volumes are expected to increase further in the future.

"Hebesu" is characterized by a refreshing aroma and mellow acidity, has few seeds and is rich in juice, and is widely used in Japanese food, grilled fish, fried foods, and alcoholic beverages.

This year's fair is now in its second year, and the number of participating stores has expanded since last year. A total of 174 restaurants in Tokyo (77), Osaka (16), Fukuoka (31), and Miyazaki (50) offer original Hebesu menus. If you order an eligible dish at a participating store and apply, you will also be able to win a Miyazaki beef.

The Miyazaki Prefecture Agricultural Distribution Brand Division is enthusiastic about "raising the profile of Hebesu through the fair and increasing the number of shipping destinations."