Ibaraki: Locally grown fruits, vegetables used in edible arts

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:53 JST, August 10, 2021

CHIKUSEI, Ibaraki — Residents of Chikusei, Ibaraki Prefecture, created edible art on July 10 during a “vegefru flower” course at the Akeno branch of the JA Kita-Tsukuba agricultural co-op in the city.

“Vegefru flowers” are bouquets and objets d’art made of fruits and vegetables.

The event was organized by the women’s division of the Akeno cooperative with the aim of enhancing an affection for vegetables.

Arisa, a vegefru flower artist and professor certified by the Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association whose real name is Mariko Aizawa, was the instructor.

Participants created bouquets made of locally grown cucumbers, carrots and other veggies.

“Although maintaining a good balance when rolling the leaves of carrots and other vegetables was difficult, it was quite enjoyable,” a participant said.