Ozasa Urui Hosta Shoots (Yamagata): season, origin and where to buy

Official registration details (MAFF)

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

Characteristics

Ozasa Urui has a unique sliminess and a crisp texture. The white part of the stem which is used for food is about 20% longer than regular hosta.It is highly evaluated in the market due to its white shiny appearance and simple taste, and it is traded at a higher price than regular hosta.

Link with the production area

The production area is a mountainous area located at the foot of the Zao mountain peaks, and the weather conditions of the area are similar to the area in which foundation species of Ozasa Urui originally grew wild. The soil of the production area is well drained due to containing volcanic ash and moderate clay-like. Hence, it is easy for ridging and the area is suitable for the production of hosta. Because the producers of Ozasa Urui have made a big effort not to bring out the seeds of Ozasa Urui outside the production area, cultivation is still limited to this original area.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s76.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

Urui (hosta shoots) grown only in parts of the Higashi and Honjo areas of Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, at the foot of the Zao mountains. It has a strong, characteristic sliminess and a crisp texture, and its edible white stems are about 20 percent longer than usual. Growers keep the plants within the area.

Ozasa Urui Hosta Shoots is produced in Parts of the Higashi and Honjo areas, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture.

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

Ozasa Urui Hosta Shoots was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 20, 2019 (Registration No. 76). The registered producer group is Yamagata Agricultural Cooperative.