Aomori Black Garlic (Aomori): 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 edible part is black and has a texture resembling dried fruit and a sour-sweet flavor. It contains abundant functional ingredients related to immunity and cerebral functions. The black garlic has been branded and exported to 25 overseas countries. In 2018, it won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Prize of the Awards for Excellence in Production for Local Consumption.

Link with the production area

Aomori Prefecture is a prime region for garlic cultivation and is the leading producer in Japan. Amid declining demand for garlic, the Association has established the production of "black garlic" as a new industry and is promoting efforts to improve processing technology, product quality control, promotion, and exports in a public-private partnership to expand domestic and overseas markets. As a result, this has led to increased demand for raw garlic, higher transaction prices, establishing it as an important industry in the region.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/250701_8.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.

Buy from the producer group (opens in a new tab)Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

Black garlic made in Aomori, Japan's top garlic-producing prefecture. The black edible cloves have a texture like dried fruit and a sweet-sour flavor. Promoted through joint public-private efforts on processing, quality, and marketing, it has been exported to 25 countries.

Aomori Black Garlic is produced in Aomori Prefecture.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation), online shops and the producer group's own shop. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Aomori Black Garlic was registered as a Geographical Indication on January 29, 2024 (Registration No. 142). The registered producer group is Cooperative Aomori Prefecture Black Garlic Society.