Well, as some of you must know fruits in Japan look perfect, taste delicious and are HUGE. Agriculture is a very intensive industry here and farmers are very careful that their produce is perfect. Historically, fruits were given as gifts and not often consumed as snacks. This is why fruits are so expensive here. And, of course, like the US and other countries, Japan is protective of their agricultural industry and imported fruits and vegetables(that can be grown in Japan) tend to be REALLY expensive. One of the cheapest fruits in Japan are bananas because they can't be grown here and they are produced in third world countries. Though I did hear there is some kind of banana diet fad driving up prices...
Anyways, my favorite fruit in Japan are mikans. In English, we call them clementines or mandarins. I love them because they are reasonably priced, conveniently sized and make great snacks! Onto our lesson...
Today, we will be looking at the word: season. Now, all of you know the standard meaning which is one of the four seasons: spring, summer, winter and, fall/autumn. There is another meaning when talking about produce(fruits and vegetables). This is the idiom in season or out of season.
in season: This means that it is available or ready for eating.
"Mikans are in season in the fall"
"Corn is in season in late summer"
Basically, in season is the time of year when the harvest is in and there are ALOT of a fruit or vegetable(also used for fish/seafood). It is the best time to eat them and they are usually the most delicious when in season. ^_^
out of season: Has the opposite meaning, a fruit or vegetable is rare and unavailable. IF you can find them, they are usually imported, expensive and may not taste all that good. So you should avoid eating foods when they are not in season.
A: What!?!?!? 1000 yen for a bag of mikans???
B: Yeah, their out of season right now...
So everyone, please enjoy the mikans while they are in season!
Phil
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