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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe challenge of processed products<\/strong> This process was applied to the idea of \u2018What if we dried out-of-spec mandarins themselves?\u2019 This idea led to the creation of \u2018dried mandarin oranges\u2019. The secret of the taste is \u2018the ingredients themselves\u2019.<\/strong> Special care is also taken in the peeling process. While there are machine-peeling techniques, \u2018using a machine means applying heat. Mandarin oranges taste like they have been boiled if they are warmed up\u2019, so all the work is done by hand. One by one, they are carefully peeled and finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dried mandarin oranges were created as a product that brings out the new appeal of Arita mandarin oranges. He passionately states his future goal: \u2018I hope that processed products such as dried mandarin oranges will become a new option for mandarin orange lovers, and that they will be enjoyed not only during the season, but all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n
The history of Ito Farm dates back to the mid-Meiji period (1868-1912), and for more than 100 years the farm has been sincerely involved with mandarin oranges. However, about 35 years ago, the production of mandarin oranges increased nationwide and the price plummeted. Under difficult circumstances, the farmers decided that they could not protect the community and farmers with fresh mandarins alone, so they took up the challenge of producing processed products.
The first thing they did was to make juice from \u2018out-of-spec mandarins\u2019, which could not be marketed because of their poor appearance. This gave the fruit, which had previously been thrown away, a new value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dried mandarin oranges were born from the desire to eliminate waste.<\/strong>
When the juice is squeezed, the peel remains. At Ito Farm, even the peel is not wasted, but used as peel confectionery and marmalade. In order to make the peels even tastier, a \u2018decompression dryer\u2019 was introduced. By drying the peels slowly at low temperatures without using strong heat or wind, we have succeeded in finishing the peels without damaging their flavour or colour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The oranges used are Arita mandarins that may look blemished but are still fine on the inside. Full of juice and rich in flavour, this is a gem of a product that has turned \u2018mottainai\u2019 into deliciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sen-retreat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/4b8118513b8be0b67e1c9b2cc84b435d-3.jpg\")
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Ito Noen has a strict corporate policy of \u2018no additives\u2019 and maximises the natural taste of the ingredients. The only ingredients used in the dried mandarin oranges are Arita mandarins and granulated sugar. No preservatives or other food additives are used, making it safe for everyone from children to the elderly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new form of mikan that can be enjoyed all year round<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ito says: \u2018Through the use of out-of-specification products, we want to bring the appeal of Arita mandarins to even more people. I would like to promote the product not only in Japan but also to the rest of the world,\u2019 says Ito.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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