In Hyogo Prefecture’s Toyooka City, the Kannabe Highlands are abuzz with the peak harvest season of specialty cabbages nurtured by their cool climate. Thirteen farms in Hidaka-cho, Toyooka City, harness the region’s rich soil nutrients and cool temperatures to cultivate these prized vegetables.
Among them, Mr. Hideo Watanabe (38) has seen his cabbages, planted last November, grow to sizes around 20 centimeters in diameter. Alongside his father, Mr. Yukio (76), they meticulously harvest the mature heads.
According to JA Tajima, cabbages from the Kannabe Highlands develop enhanced flavor by enduring winter under snow cover.
Recent challenges such as insufficient snowfall due to warmer winters and deer damage have prompted Mr. Watanabe to adjust planting times. Despite these hurdles, he anticipates a harvest on par with previous years.
Mr. Watanabe remarked, “We were concerned about the lack of snow, but adequate day-night temperature variations have supported healthy growth. Known for their strong sweetness and crisp texture, I hope many will enjoy the delicious flavor.”
Harvesting of Kannabe Highlands’ cabbages continues until late June, with shipments extending to local markets in Osaka and Kobe.
The Kannabe Highlands exemplify how strategic cultivation practices and adaptation to climatic nuances can sustain high-quality cabbage production. Despite environmental challenges, local farmers demonstrate resilience and innovation to maintain consistent harvests and preserve the region’s agricultural heritage.
