Nyuzen Jumbo Watermelon (Toyama): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Shipped in summer.

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

NYUZEN JUMBO WATERMELON has an oblong figure like a rugby ball. The rind is light green with clear dark green stripes. The average weight is 17-19kg. It is very juicy and has adequate sweetness.

Link with the production area

Watermelon is vulnerable to high-humidity and susceptible to disease damages. The production area occupies the center of extensive and fertile alluvial fan created by the Kurobe River. The soil of the area is sandy and well-drained, and the layer of soil is shallow. These natural conditions work against the humidity and thus the area has been able to produce large and heavy watermelon since the late Meiji Period. Nyuzen Town has also established its own production methods.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s53.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.

Buy from the producer group (opens in a new tab)

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

FAQ

A giant watermelon from Nyuzen Town, Toyama Prefecture. Shaped like a rugby ball and averaging 17 to 19 kg, it has a clearly striped rind and a refreshing sweetness. It has been grown on the alluvial fan of the Kurobe River since the late Meiji period.

Nyuzen Jumbo Watermelon is produced in Nyuzen Town, Shimoniikawa County, Toyama Prefecture.

Nyuzen Jumbo Watermelon is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jul–Aug. Shipped in summer.

Look for it via the producer group's own shop. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Nyuzen Jumbo Watermelon was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 15, 2017 (Registration No. 53). The registered producer group is Minaho Agricultural Cooperative.