Nishiura Mikan Jutaro (Shizuoka): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Harvested in December and January and then stored, it is shipped mainly in February and March.

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

Nishiura Mikan Jutaro has superior Brix (sweetness)-acid (citric acid) ratios compared to common types of mikan. Fruit sizes are slightly smaller than Aoshima Unshu varieties, and the peel is comparatively thin and less prone to looseness. Brix and acidity are higher than Aoshima Unshu, making it more rich-tasting.

Link with the production area

Local conditions are ideal for growing Jutaro Unshu, a variety with low tree vigor. The area faces the Pacific, and the mostly north-facing slope with a view of Mt. Fuji beyond Suruga Bay is composed of fertile volcanic ash soils with good air circulation and drainage. Local knowhow for storing harvested mikan, developed through a long tradition of producing chozo mikan (literally "stored mikan"), also contributes to the excellent quality of this product.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s103.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.

Since "Jutaro mikan" is also a variety name, check that the label shows Numazu City as the origin.

FAQ

Jutaro satsuma mandarins grown in Nishiura and neighboring areas of Numazu City, Shizuoka. Slightly smaller than Aoshima mandarins with thinner skin, they have a rich flavor with both high sugar and high acidity. Thanks to local storage techniques, they are shipped in early spring.

Nishiura Mikan Jutaro is produced in Shizuura, Uchiura and Nishiura in the San'ura District, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Nishiura Mikan Jutaro is in season (harvested or shipped) in Feb–Mar. Harvested in December and January and then stored, it is shipped mainly in February and March.

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

Nishiura Mikan Jutaro was registered as a Geographical Indication on November 18, 2020 (Registration No. 103). The registered producer group is Fuji-Izu Japan Agricultural Cooperatives.