Product Name: Oita Wase Mandarin (Oita Early Satsuma)
Description:
Oita Wase is an extra-early maturing Satsuma mandarin variety originating from Oita Prefecture, Japan. First discovered in 1895 as a spontaneous bud mutation of the common Satsuma, it has been cultivated for over a century and remains one of the earliest ripening mandarin varieties available. In China, it has been successfully introduced to regions including Hanzhong, Shaanxi, where it has demonstrated excellent adaptability and early maturity.
A Mandarin That Beats the Season:
The defining feature of Oita Wase is its exceptional earliness. While most mandarins ripen in late autumn, Oita Wase can be harvested as early as July in warm southern regions and August to September with protected cultivation – filling a critical gap in the summer fruit market when few fresh citrus options are available. This early-season advantage translates directly into premium pricing, with orchard gate prices exceeding 3 yuan per jin and per-mu revenue surpassing 10,000 yuan.
Appearance & Flavor:
The fruit is flat-round and weighs 120–200 grams. The skin ripens to a deep red-orange color and is thin and easy to peel. The flesh is deep orange, tender, and juicy, with a fine texture that melts in the mouth. The variety is seedless, making it exceptionally convenient to eat.
Key Commercial Advantages:
Extra-Early Harvest – Available from July in warm regions, capturing the summer market gap
High Sugar, Low Acid – Protected cultivation produces fruit with up to 10.0 Brix and only 0.83% citric acid, delivering a sweet, well-balanced flavor
Seedless – No seeds for hassle-free enjoyment
High Yield – Average yields of 8,000 jin per mu, with strong market demand and excellent returns
Strong Adaptability – Performs well across diverse growing regions, with proven cold hardiness and disease resistance
Best-Tasting Among Extra-Early Mandarins – Recognized for its superior eating quality within its maturity class
Growing Regions:
Native to Oita Prefecture, Japan, Oita Wase is now cultivated across Japan and has been successfully introduced to Shaanxi Hanzhong in China, where ten years of observation confirmed its strong tree vigor, extremely early maturity, cold resistance, and excellent productivity. It is also grown in Yunnan Huaning and other warm southern regions where it ripens as early as July.
Harvest Season:
July to September (depending on region and cultivation method) – an extra-early mandarin that fills the summer fruit market gap. With protected cultivation, harvest can be precisely timed for August to September, maximizing market advantage.