SanktGallen really loves to make fruit beers huh? Orange, Pineapple, and Apple. Does anyone have any tips on buying fruit cheap in Japan? I wouldn't mind making a country wine or fruit beer if the price is right! Grapes are crazy expensive when I see them at the super, as are berries (blackberry, raspberry, currents...). Apples seem to be cheaper at the moment, maybe a cider would be cheap enough if I buy a case of them? Does anyone know of a farmers market type place to purchase bulk fruit? Is there somewhere that the "ugly" fruit gets sold? At the supermarket every fruit seems to be hand polished with not a speck of scab or blemish, so they must be sorting them for use in bakeries/processing somewhere right? When I have looked online at Advanced Brewing, their wine kits are always sold out so I don't know what to do for a "base" wine even if I do get some fruits...
I'll admit that some people kinda look at me funny when I buy 21 1-liter packs of 100% apple juice at the local super for my Apfelwein. And I get different looks when I repack them into a box and strap it on the back of my moped.
I'd definitely welcome apple juice by the gallon at prices like what's in the states.
In response to your question, I think you'd want to go directly to the farmer. My wife's family usually sells off all the good-looking stuff and keeps the funny looking stuff (like twin carrots entwined around each other like...). I'm sure they'd be happy to sell it if there was a market. Maybe JA can find what you need... Hmmm... Food, er, drink for thought...