Kurosaki Chamame Edamame (Niigata): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Appears in late July, with the main season in early to mid-August.

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

Kurosaki Chamame is characterized by its distinctive color, fragrance and pleasant texture.The color of the pods is verdant, but the thin skin of the beans is brown. The name “Chamame”, meaning brown edamame in Japanese, came from this characteristic. Fragrance is also unique as it is often compared to the fragrance of roasted green tea. It has excellent balance of umami flavor and sweetness.

Link with the production area

The variety of Kurosaki Chamame was selected over times in Kurosaki area from green soybeans brought in the late Meiji Period. The cultivation. control of this variety is difficult, but producers’ adequate production management helped overcome the cultivation difficulties.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s29.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.

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

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FAQ

Kurosaki Chamame is an edamame grown in the Kurosaki area and nearby districts of Nishi Ward, Niigata City. It descends from brown soybeans brought from Tsuruoka, Yamagata, in the late Meiji era and selected over many years in the local Kobirakata hamlet, giving it a distinctive color, aroma and flavor. Plants bear many slightly large, flat pods.

Kurosaki Chamame Edamame is produced in Kurosaki area, Koshin Matoba area and Kamegai Toraaki area in Nishi Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture.

Kurosaki Chamame Edamame is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jul–Aug. Appears in late July, with the main season in early to mid-August.

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

Kurosaki Chamame Edamame was registered as a Geographical Indication on April 21, 2017 (Registration No. 29). The registered producer group is Niigata City Kurosaki Area Chamame Cooperative Association.