Another product featured at FOODEX Japan 2025.
Figs are not a fruit that one associates with Japan. Egypt and Turkey are the heavy hitters with respect to them. Nevertheless, the Japanese do grow figs and are now producing a liqueur-like drink from the fruit.
Figs have a number of characteristics that make them attractive—not in the pin-up category, of course—as a food. “Figs are often…available in large quantities and are highly nutritious. They are a convenient source of fiber, minerals and nutrients; by weight figs provide more calcium and fiber than any other readily available fresh fruit, and these values increase significantly in dried compared to fresh figs….”1
Sensory Evaluation: Color: Pink-gold. Nose: Pronounced aroma of caramelized figs. Very appealing. Palate: Fig-nectar notes. Silky mouthfeel. Sweet. The presence of alcohol is hardly noticeable. The ABV is 7%.
We tried this at room temperature and found it to be too sweet. However, when we chilled it, it became significantly less so. This seems to be a good drink for a humid afternoon during the rainy season, refreshing and with enough sugar to give the body a needed energy boost. We also think it might make a good cocktail additive.
Miyato Yaso Institute appears to be doing some interesting work. To learn more, readers are encouraged to visit their website. The link is here: https://www.miyatou.co.jp/
1Wilson D., Wilson A. “Figs as a Global Spiritual and Material Resource for Humans,” Human Ecology June 2013 (Vol. 41, No. 3).
Drinking Japan 