Kaga Maruimo Yam (Ishikawa): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Harvested in October and November, once the leaves above ground have turned color and withered.

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

Kaga Maruimo is a round shaped Japanese yam and the size is about that of softball. It is known as a delicacy. The yam has a high glutinous content and low moisture, and it becomes very sticky when grated. It has a distinctive yam flavor and frequently used as an ingredient for wide varieties of processed foods.

Link with the production area

Farmers started to cultivate the Japanese yam in a paddy field, in which river sand was flowed by the Tedori River flood in 1934. Consequently, the shape of yams cultivated in this paddy field has become round. The unique condition of the soil - the original soil of the paddy field combined with the river sand - is suitable for cultivating large and round shaped Japanese yams.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s17.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.

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

Kaga Maruimo is a round Japanese yam about the size of a softball, grown in Nomi City and part of Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Low in moisture and high in sticky components, it becomes very thick and sticky when grated. It has a characteristic yam flavor and is widely used in processed foods.

Kaga Maruimo Yam is produced in Nomi City, and Takado Town, Noda Town and Hitotsuhari Town in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Kaga Maruimo Yam is in season (harvested or shipped) in Oct–Nov. Harvested in October and November, once the leaves above ground have turned color and withered.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Kaga Maruimo Yam was registered as a Geographical Indication on September 7, 2016 (Registration No. 17). The registered producer group is Minami Kaga Area Maruimo Production Association.