Nakagusuku Shima Ninjin (Island Carrot) (Okinawa): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

It is a winter vegetable, with shipments getting into full swing around Island Carrot Day on December 12.

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

It is a carrot characterized by its vivid yellow color and thin and long shape resembling a burdock. It has been an essential and valuable ingredient for medicinal cuisine and local dishes of Okinawa Prefecture and is deeply rooted in the local food culture.

Link with the production area

The producing area is blessed with a warm climate and abundant underground water, constituting the natural conditions suitable for cultivating shima ninjin, which grows best at 15°C or higher temperatures and requires much water. Farmers have continued to cultivate local varieties by maintaining the strain via home seed-raising, the production area boasts the largest production volume of shima ninjin in the prefecture. The Nakagusuku Village Ordinance designates December 12 as "Nakagusuku Village Island Carrot Day" to expand the consumption centered on the village and promote the succession of shima ninjin cultivation to the next generation.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/250701_5.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

A native island carrot from Nakagusuku, Okinawa, whose strain farmers have maintained with home-saved seed since before World War II. With its vivid yellow color and long, thin, burdock-like shape, it is an essential ingredient in Okinawan medicinal cuisine and local dishes.

Nakagusuku Shima Ninjin (Island Carrot) is produced in Nakagusuku Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture.

Nakagusuku Shima Ninjin (Island Carrot) is in season (harvested or shipped) in Dec–Feb. It is a winter vegetable, with shipments getting into full swing around Island Carrot Day on December 12.

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

Nakagusuku Shima Ninjin (Island Carrot) was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 27, 2024 (Registration No. 147). The registered producer group is Nakagusuku-mura Yasai Sanchi Kyougikai (Nakagusuku Village Vegetable Producing Area Association).