Sakurajima Komikan (Kagoshima): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Harvested from late November to late December.

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

Sakurajima Komikan belongs to the family of Citrus kinokuni. It is smaller than normal Japanese mandarin oranges (Citrus unshiu). The flesh is soft and juicy, and the taste is well balanced with sweetness and sourness. The peel has fresh fragrance and can be used for seasoning.

Link with the production area

The Sakurajima Island, the production area of Sakurajima Komikan, is surrounded by the ocean, and has warm and mild temperate throughout a year. Sakurajima Komikan has long been cultivated in the Island. By cultivating under the installed roofs and conduct adequate water control, Sakurajima Komikan becomes well-shaped and high quality.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s46.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.

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FAQ

Sakurajima Komikan is a small mandarin, a different lineage from the satsuma, long grown on Sakurajima in Kagoshima City. Though the fruit is tiny, its flesh is tender and juicy with a good balance of sweetness and acidity, and the peel has a refreshing citrus fragrance.

Sakurajima Komikan is produced in Former Sakurajima Town area, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Sakurajima Komikan is in season (harvested or shipped) in Nov–Dec. Harvested from late November to late December.

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

Sakurajima Komikan was registered as a Geographical Indication on November 10, 2017 (Registration No. 46). The registered producer group is Green Kagoshima Agricultural Cooperative.