Kahoku Dropwort (Miyagi): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Seri with roots is available from October to mid-March, and spring seri from April to mid-May.

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

Compared to more common types of seri (water dropwort) produced elsewhere in the country, the edible stem and leaf parts of Kahoku Seri is typically longer, often growing to over 50 cm. Kahoku Seri also stays fresh for longer.In Ishinomaki, this seri has traditionally been served pickled or dressed in broth. The stem close to the root is especially prized for its texture, and the vegetable has been highly rated by the market for the optimal lengths and thicknesses of edible stem and leaf parts. The superior visible appearance of stems and leaves is also highly appreciated, a result of careful attention invested in shape and freshness before and during shipment.Kahoku Seri available in spring is particularly valued as the sole variety of spring seri available at Ishinomaki Market, and a local product, at that. Not many producers in the country grow varieties of spring seri because they take longer to grow, have shorter harvesting times, and are very difficult to keep fresh.

Link with the production area

Natural conditions in and around the Kitakami Mountain Range area--abundant supply of subsoil water from the mountains, for one--makes the local area ideal for the production of seri, which requires large amounts of water during growth. Seri is grown in dedicated fields flooded extra-deep with water. Stable and ready availability of abundant groundwater contributes to Kahoku Seri's longer edible stem and leaf lengths. Stringent quality control is implemented to maintain the product's freshness--harvested products are prepared for shipment very swiftly, and carefully washed with plenty of groundwater.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s104.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)

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.

Ishinomaki City offers a seri hot pot set as a furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) gift, delivered in November and December.

FAQ

Japanese water dropwort (seri) grown in the former town of Kahoku, now part of Ishinomaki City, Miyagi, using abundant groundwater from the Kitakami Mountains. Its edible stems and leaves are long and stay fresh well, and locals have long enjoyed the texture of the stems near the root.

Kahoku Dropwort is produced in Former Kahoku Town, Monou County, as of March 31, 2005 (now Ainoya, Nakajima, Saragai, Magura and Kofunakoshi in Ishinomaki City), Miyagi Prefecture.

Kahoku Dropwort is in season (harvested or shipped) in Oct–May. Seri with roots is available from October to mid-March, and spring seri from April to mid-May.

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

Kahoku Dropwort was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 23, 2020 (Registration No. 104). The registered producer group is Kahoku Dropwort Promotion Association.