Mito Burdock (Yamaguchi): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Harvested in winter, with the peak in late December.

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

Mito Gobo is a soft and fragrant burdock cultivated in a red argilliferous soil of the production area. It is long and the width is even until the end. The fragrance remains as it is handled with care.

Link with the production area

The production area is located in the North of the Akiyoshi Plateau, the largest karst plateau in Japan. The hard argilliferous soil of the area pressures the burdock and helps it grow gradually. It is considered that the heavier the soil, the softer and more fragrant burdock becomes. Moreover, the traditional “Sunaderu” process of removing mud on the burdocks by hand keeps the skin of burdock unscratched and maintains the product in good condition.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s40.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.

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FAQ

Mito Burdock is a long-rooted burdock grown in Mito, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, in heavy, hard clay soil in hollows formed by eroded Akiyoshidai limestone. Well fleshed to the tip, it has fine, tender flesh. A traditional method called “sunaderu,” gently cleaning off mud with rice straw, keeps its aroma intact.

Mito Burdock is produced in Mito Town, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Mito Burdock is in season (harvested or shipped) in Dec. Harvested in winter, with the peak in late December.

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

Mito Burdock was registered as a Geographical Indication on September 15, 2017 (Registration No. 40). The registered producer group is Yamaguchi Mine Agricultural Cooperative.