Company launches 'Mozart Bananas'

A Japanese fruit company has launched 'Mozart Bananas', which are ripened to the sound of the composer's work.

Fruit from Hyogo Prefecture-based firm Toyoka Chuo Seika has recently been shipped to supermarkets in the area, The Japan Times reports.

The bananas are ripened for one week in a chamber boasting speakers playing String Quartet 17 and Piano Concerto 5 in D major among other work.

Hyogo representative Isamu Okuda said: "We thought it would be a good investment, which would set us apart from the pack."

A second company in the Fukushima Prefecture, Ohara Shuzo, also brews its sake to the sound of Mozart after experimenting with Beethoven, Bach and various jazz.

Senior managing director Fumiko Ohara said: "We found Mozart works best for sake and that's why we use only his music. It makes the sake have a richer fragrance and a milder taste."

The Tokushima Prefecture-based Harada Tomat sells 'Star Drops', tomatoes ripened to Mozart. "The most important thing is that the music creates a relaxed and comfortable environment for us to work in," she explained. "And that rubs off on the tomatoes."