Hibarino Okra (Akita): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Shipping starts around May and peaks in June and July.

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

Hibarino Okra is characterized by the largeness and the tenderness. It can be used for various dishes. Its stable quality is highly evaluated in the market that it is traded at about 30%-50% higher price than okras produced in other production area.

Link with the production area

The production area receives greater amount of sunshine even compared to other areas in Akita Prefecture. In addition to the use of greenhouse, okra is therefore cultivated at suitable temperature. Moreover, producers has practiced to examine each other's fields to produce high quality okra.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s51.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.

FAQ

Okra grown in greenhouses in Ugo Town, Akita Prefecture. The pods stay tender even when large, suit a wide range of dishes and are consistent in quality, so they trade at roughly 30 to 50 percent above okra from other areas.

Hibarino Okra is produced in Ugo Town, Ogachi County, Akita Prefecture.

Hibarino Okra is in season (harvested or shipped) in May–Jul. Shipping starts around May and peaks in June and July.

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

Hibarino Okra was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 15, 2017 (Registration No. 51). The registered producer group is JA Ugo Niinari Horticultural Cooperative.