The drop-shaped citrus, the size of a softball, is characterized by its succulence and rich sweetness. The Ehime prefectural government spent about 20 years developing Beni Princess by crossbreeding Beni Madonna and Kanpei, popular varieties in the prefecture. "It's sweeter and juicier than Beni Madonna. It is by far the most delicious citrus I have ever tasted," Kana Takahashi, 28, said of the new variety. Takahashi began growing Beni Princess four years ago. The harvest season for Beni Princess is from March to April. Beni Madonna is usually distributed sometime around November in Ehime Prefecture, and Kanpei becomes available in January. Previously, the prefecture had few brand-name citrus varieties available in the early spring.