Aomori Cassis (Aomori): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Harvested in July, with ripe berries hand-picked in two or three rounds.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

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

Characteristics

Aomori cassis is a blackcurrant which has a refreshing sour taste and a distinctive fragrance. It is rich in Anthocyanin. Ripe Aomori Cassis must be harvested by hand picking.

Link with the production area

In 1965, a Hirosaki University professor received cassis seedlings in Germany which seemed to adapt well to the climate of Aomori Prefecture. Since then, this original variety has been cultivated and protected in the production area without conducting any selective breeding.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s1.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 online (opens in a new tab)

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

Some shop links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fresh berries are sold by reservation only, while frozen berries and purée are available through the producers' association's online shop.

FAQ

Aomori Cassis is a blackcurrant grown in the Tosei area around Aomori City. The variety was brought from Germany in 1965 and has been cultivated ever since without any selective breeding. It has a refreshing tartness and a distinctive aroma, and ripe berries are picked by hand.

Aomori Cassis is produced in Tosei area, Aomori Prefecture (Aomori City, Hiranai Town, Imabetsu Town, Yomogita Village and Sotogahama Town).

Aomori Cassis is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jul. Harvested in July, with ripe berries hand-picked in two or three rounds.

Look for it via online shops and the producer group's own shop. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Aomori Cassis was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 22, 2015 (Registration No. 1). The registered producer group is Aomori Cassis Association.