Product Name: Fukuoka Jaboticaba (Fukuoka Tree Grape)
Description:
Fukuoka Jaboticaba is a premium variety of the exotic Brazilian fruit tree Plinia cauliflora, commonly known as Jaboticaba or Tree Grape. It is one of the major commercial cultivars alongside Sabará and Argentina, and has been recognized in academic research as a distinct variety with unique characteristics. In introduction trials conducted in Guangzhou, Fukuoka demonstrated strong adaptability, achieving the highest survival rate (over 88%) among tested varieties alongside Sabará.
A Jaboticaba That Stands Out for Size and Flavor:
The defining feature of Fukuoka is its large fruit size. Berries can grow to the size of a ping-pong ball, making it one of the largest-fruited Jaboticaba varieties available. Unlike the purely sweet Sabará, Fukuoka offers a refreshing sweet-tart flavor that appeals to consumers who prefer a more complex taste profile. The flesh is juicy, semi-transparent, and aromatic, with the distinctive multi-layered flavor of Jaboticaba – often described as a blend of mangosteen, guava, pineapple, and sugar apple.
Appearance:
The fruit is spherical with a deep purple-black, smooth, and firm skinwhen fully ripe. The flesh inside is translucent and juicy, with a fragrant aroma. Each fruit contains 1–4 seeds.
Aromatic Profile:
Academic research on volatile compounds has identified β-caryophyllene as the dominant aroma component in Fukuoka flowers (53.40%) and fruits (41.21%), giving it a distinctive terpene-rich fragrance. The variety's large fruit size, juicy flesh, and low acid-sugar ratio also make it particularly suitable for juice processing.
Key Commercial Advantages:
Large Fruit Size – Can reach ping-pong ball size, among the largest Jaboticaba varieties
Sweet-Tart Flavor – Distinct from the purely sweet Sabará, offering a more complex taste
Cold Hardy – One of the most cold-tolerant Jaboticaba varieties, withstanding temperatures down to -4.4°C
Strong Plant Vigor – Robust, disease-resistant, and fast-growing
High Survival Rate – Over 88% survival in Guangzhou introduction trials
Excellent for Processing – Large size, juicy flesh, and low acid-sugar ratio make it ideal for juice production
Long Fruit Stage – Fruit period from January to May and October to December, with peak in April–May
Growing Regions:
Native to Brazil, Jaboticaba was introduced to Taiwan in the 1960s and has since been cultivated in Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong (Guangzhou), Yunnan (Mangshi), and other subtropical regions of China. Fukuoka has demonstrated strong adaptability in Guangzhou and is recommended as one of the premium varieties for commercial planting alongside Sabará.
Cultivation Notes:
Climate: Warm, humid subtropical climate; optimal temperature 22–35°C; cold-hardy to -4.4°C
Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) ; avoid waterlogging and saline-alkali soils
Planting Density: 2m × 2m initially (170 trees/mu), thinned to 4m × 4m after 7 years
Fertilization: High-nitrogen, high-phosphorus compound fertilizer in the first year; increase phosphorus and potassium in later stages
Pruning: Minimal pruning required; control height and shape by trimming vigorous terminal shoots; remove lower and inner thin branches for ventilation
Pest Management: Few pests and diseases; bird damage during fruiting is the primary concern – use netting or bagging
Harvest Season:
January to May and October to December (peak April–May). A premium large-fruited Jaboticaba variety that delivers impressive fruit size, sweet-tart flavor, exceptional cold hardiness, and outstanding processing potential – ideal for fresh market sales, juice production, pick-your-own orchards, and home garden cultivation. With its high survival rate, robust plant vigor, and unique aromatic profile, Fukuoka Jaboticaba offers a reliable and productive choice for both commercial growers and garden enthusiasts.