The harvesting and shipping of kumquats called "Hogyoku" began at the end of January.

This year, due to the extreme heat, we were worried it would take a long time for the fruit to ripen, but they ripened to a beautiful orange color.

According to the beekeeping club staff, this year is a rough year, so the number of berries is fewer than usual, but they notice that the berries are larger than last year.
Because there are fewer fruit, nutrients are distributed more evenly among the fruit, which makes them larger.

When harvesting kumquats, the stems are pruned in two stages to avoid damaging the fruit.

It takes time, but it's an effort worth making.

The kumquats roll around. Each one has a different size.

We put them through a selection tool to separate them into sizes.

From left: M, L, 2L, and 3L sizes.

When you line them up like this, you can clearly see the difference.

Weighing in at 500g, the weight is a real thrill.

Every year, the beekeeping club staff carefully cultivate kumquats called "hogyoku."

Once harvested, preparations for next year's harvest begin immediately.

The inside of the greenhouse is a delicate space. In winter, the cold can cause the fruit to freeze, and in summer, temperatures can exceed 50 degrees, so great care must be taken when maintaining the space.

Just as we ventilate our rooms every day, the inside of the greenhouse is kept fresh by letting in the daily breeze.

We interviewed two beekeeping staff members who grow kumquats at SUGI BEE GARDEN.

- What is the most rewarding part of raising children?

As I take care of the plants every day to prevent them from being infected with disease or insects, I feel happy when I find large, beautiful fruit.

I feel a sense of accomplishment that they have grown to this point.

- Please say a few words to our customers!

"Hachidama" is a large, sweet, delicious kumquat. It was created through honeybee pollination.

I would love for everyone to try it at least once.

This year too, we have been carefully cultivating each and every kumquat called "Hogyoku".

Why not take this opportunity to pick up a copy?

(Now on sale for a limited time at stores across the country!)