Current staff members will teach you!
"Special products" you can find at "Farm Market"
"Farm Market" brings together Ark Tategamori's finest products, including Tategamori Highland Pork, organic JAS-certified wheat bread, and pesticide-free vegetables. With so many options, first-time visitors might be overwhelmed and unsure what to buy.
This time, our staff member Chiba will be guiding you through the tips for shopping at "Farm Market."
"I originally started coming here as a customer, and gradually I became more and more captivated by the charm of the products!" says Chiba, who shared her insights on how to fully enjoy Farm Market from a real customer's perspective.
Guide to enjoying
Staff Chiba
A former customer of Farm Market. While driving around and visiting Farm Market, I became interested in Ark Tategamori's efforts to implement sustainable agriculture in-house, and joined the company as a staff member.
Farm market experts always keep something beyond a "cooler bag" in their car.
—Thank you for today! Chiba-san, you were originally a customer, right?
ChibaYes, I used to shop at the farm market often when I was out for a drive. After going there a few times, I learned about their commitment to sustainable agriculture and became a fan, and before I knew it, I was working there (laughs). Now, please come inside!
— What is that wheat hanging from the ceiling?
Chiba"Farm Market" has many features that allow customers to learn about Ark Tategamori's philosophy through their shopping. One of them is this wheat on the ceiling. Wheat symbolizes the circular agriculture that Ark Tategamori is committed to.
Growing, creating, connecting, and circulating—"Farm Market" is a place where you can shop while directly experiencing the thoughts and feelings put into the products, playing a key role in that "connecting" aspect.
—So this wheat is the key to circular agriculture, isn't it?
ChibaNow, before I give you a tour of the store, let me share a shopping tip. When I go shopping, I always bring a cooler bag with me. It helps keep items fresh for longer, even in the hot car during the summer, and it's also recommended for those who want to shop before exploring the farm.
—It's even safer to have ice packs along with the cooler bag!
ChibaThey're also sold in stores as a set with ice packs. By the way, lately I've found that cooler bags aren't enough, so I also keep a styrofoam box in my car (laughs). It has even better cooling and stability than a cooler bag, and it's convenient when buying frozen additive-free (*) deli items or meat.
*Ark Kangamori's "additive-free" means that it does not contain preservatives, colorings, binding agents, flavor enhancers, color fixatives, or bulking agents.
ChibaSometimes we see customers pulling large suitcases. When we see them leaving with their cases full of purchased products, beaming with satisfaction, it makes us happy too.
"Exclusive" masterpieces you can't find online
ChibaWe especially want everyone who visits to get their hands on our "exclusive" products that aren't available in our online shop!
1. "Fukuju Eggs" in the egg section
Chiba"Old-fashioned eggs," laid by free-range chickens—a group said to make up only 0.9% of chickens in Japan—are one of Ark Tategamori's signature products. Among them, the "Fukuju Egg," available exclusively at the farm market, may be a "twin egg" containing two yolks.
—When you compare it to a regular "old-fashioned egg," the size difference is quite significant. Perhaps "Fukuju eggs" are laid by larger chickens?
ChibaIt's not about size, but about youth. Chickens lay one egg every 24 hours, but young chickens have immature bodies and their ovulation cycle is not stable. That's why they occasionally lay eggs with two yolks.
2. "Order Cut" at the Meat Section
—In the meat section, you'll find various cuts and preparations of Tategamori Kogen pork.
ChibaOur meat counter offers custom cuts. Please feel free to consult with us about your intended use and situation, such as what kind of dish you'll be making or how many people will be eating it!
ChibaFurthermore, the meat section has a "Taste Freshly Made" corner that is open only on weekends. Every weekend, you can sample freshly made items such as bacon, char siu, and braised pork belly, with the selection changing weekly. Being able to deliver the taste and aroma of freshly made food is something that can only be experienced at our directly managed "Farm Market" store.
3. Freshly baked bread in the bakery section
—Speaking of "scents," there's a fragrant aroma of toasted bread wafting from the back...
ChibaIt smells wonderful, doesn't it? You can buy our bakery's bread online, but the rich aroma and flavor of freshly baked bread are an experience you can only get at Farm Market. We use organic JAS-certified wheat grown without pesticides on our own farms for our bread. We even mill the flour ourselves, so we can really bring out the original flavor and aroma of the wheat.
—I still want to shop more, but my stomach has its limits, which is frustrating.
Chiba: That happens all the time. You think, "I'll buy this next time," and then when you come back to the store, you come across another product that catches your eye (laughs).
4. "Pesticide-free vegetables" in the vegetable section.
ChibaThe vegetable section features vegetables grown without pesticides by Ark Tategamori, as well as seasonal vegetables delivered from nearby farmers. Individual vegetables cannot be purchased through the online shop, so those living far away can enjoy them through a subscription service. With the subscription service, the types of vegetables are left to the shop, so being able to choose as you like while planning your menu is a privilege for those who visit the farm market.
— All of these vegetables look so vibrant and full of life!
ChibaMany customers who enjoy the vegetables from Ark Tategamori at the buffet at "Till's Natural Food Restaurant" end up buying some on their way out.
Ark Tategamori Trivia
There are many other sections as well!
The farm market also features sections selling additive-free deli items, additive-free seasonings, herbal goods, wheat beer, wine, and other products. Take your time browsing and find your favorites.
5. Welcome Shop: Nut-flavored "Soft Serve Ice Cream"
Chiba"Welcome Shop Kinomi" is a small shop attached to the "Farm Market" where you can enjoy light meals and drinks such as soft serve ice cream and BBQ sausages. The soft serve ice cream is a gourmet treat that you can only find here. The cones are made with organic JAS certified wheat from Ark Tategamori and are baked one by one by hand.
This is a must-buy item that our staff love so much they keep buying it again and again!
—Finally, could you tell us about a product that you consider an absolute must-have, even in your private life?
ChibaIf I had to name a slightly more niche product, it would be "white mold kalpas." I always keep some in my freezer at home, and when I want to eat it, I slice it thinly and enjoy it with a drink. It's just irresistible! It's been one of my favorite products ever since I was a regular customer.
—That looks like it would go well with wine, maybe I'll buy some to take home. Thank you so much for today, Chiba-san!
ChibaThank you very much as well.
