5 stalls and food trucks at the UNU farmers market in Tokyo

This orchard in Yamagata grows apples, and recently diversified, growing pears, plums, and Yamagata’s speciality, cherries. They have chilled bottled apple juices which are a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day. If you come across a grape variety called Dragon Ball, just buy it. It may be a bit expensive, but you won’t regret your purchase.

This farmers’ cooperative believes in growing vegetables that taste good. The sweet corn and aubergine can be eaten raw while the sweet potatoes are as sweet as cakes without adding any sugar. Check their Facebook page as they are not always here.

They sell only one type of drink only, namely homemade ‘raw’ craft cola. Their cola is made based on the original recipe that was formulated more than 100 years ago, using kola nut, citrus, and spices such as cardamom and nutmeg. Once you taste it, you might not be able to go back to the one in the red can.

Their van has been fitted with a firewood oven, which they use to cook rice and eggs, and grill meat. Have you ever tasted rice cooked in a stove instead of in an electric rice cooker? Try it with grilled pork, seasoned with salt and some sugar and nothing else.

‘Golden Mustard’ is a type of condiment that was crowned ‘the best condiment’ of Japan in 2018. It is made from mustard seed, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, among others. It pairs well with meat, fish, and veg. Definitely worth checking out to expand your cooking repertoire.