Akutsu Magarinegi Green Onion (Fukushima): season, origin and where to buy

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

The soft white portion of this negi (long green onion) is notable for its sweetness, softness and high umami. Compared to other commercially available varieties, umami-related amino acid (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) content is approx. 1.8 times higher, and sugar level is approx. 1.7 times higher. The vegetable is traded at prices about 30% higher than other varieties of negi produced in Koriyama. Japan's Nationwide Negi Summit rates it highly for its softness and sweetness. In 2008 it received the "Koriyama Brand" certification.

Link with the production area

Grown in the Akutsu district since at least the first half of the 20th century, production of this negi later spread to other parts of Koriyama City. Koriyama shi no noringyo (Agriculture and Forestry in Koriyama City), (1990) lists it as, "Akutsu no magarinegi."In 2005, the Association for the Preservation of Akutsu Magarinegi was established, contributing to the ongoing production of the original variety of this vegetable.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s113.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

We have not found a reliable online or furusato nozei listing yet. Ask local farm stands or the producer group.

It is sold mainly at supermarkets and agricultural co-op farm stands within Koriyama City.

FAQ

A curved long green onion grown in the Akutsu district of Koriyama City, Fukushima, since the early Showa era. Its white shaft is sweet, tender and full of savory flavor, and a preservation society continues to maintain the original seed stock.

Akutsu Magarinegi Green Onion is produced in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture.

We have not confirmed a reliable online or furusato nozei listing. Local farm stands or the producer group are your best bet.

Akutsu Magarinegi Green Onion was registered as a Geographical Indication on February 3, 2022 (Registration No. 113). The registered producer group is Akutsu Magarinegi Preservation Society.