Owani Onsen Bean Sprouts (Aomori): season, origin and where to buy

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

One of Tsugaru region's traditional vegetables preserved since the Edo period (17C-19C), Owanionsen Moyashi bean sprout is soil-grown using the abundant hot spring water from local Owani Hot Springs and its heat. The sprouts take about one week to grow to lengths of 30 cm or more, though less than half the thickness of common types of bean sprouts. This distinctive form contributes to their crunchiness. Compared to common types of soybean sprout, they contain more alanine, which contributes to sweetness and umami.

Link with the production area

Owanionsen Moyashi has long been grown as a precious source of nutrition in the winter in Owani, a part of Aomori Prefecture where snowfall is among the heaviest in the prefecture. The abundantly available hot spring water from Owani Hot Springs has been used for watering, for keeping the soil warm, and for washing harvested produce. Cultivation techniques unique to the local community have been preserved by being passed down through multiple generations of producers.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s90.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

Bean sprouts soil-grown for about a week in Owani Town, Aomori Prefecture, using heat and water from the local hot springs. A traditional Tsugaru vegetable handed down since the Edo period, they grow over 30 cm long but less than half as thick as ordinary sprouts, with a crisp bite and more alanine, which adds sweetness and umami.

Owani Onsen Bean Sprouts is produced in Owani Town, Minamitsugaru County, Aomori Prefecture.

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

Owani Onsen Bean Sprouts was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 30, 2020 (Registration No. 90). The registered producer group is Committee for Promoting Owanionsen Moyashi Production.