Vegetables & heirloom crops Reg. No. 161

Senshu Mizunasu (Water Eggplant)

泉州水なす（せんしゅうみずなす）

An eggplant grown in the Senshu region of Osaka since the early Edo period and the area's signature brand vegetable. It is so juicy that water drips out when squeezed, and its soft skin and flesh have a subtle sweetness and little bitterness. It is widely used for pickles and local dishes.

Prefectures: Osaka
Production area: Kishiwada, Izumiotsu, Kaizuka, Izumisano, Izumi, Takaishi, Sennan, and Hannan cities; Tadaoka Town in Senboku District; and Kumatori, Tajiri, and Misaki towns in Sennan District, Osaka Prefecture
Season: Mar–Nov
Registered: January 30, 2025（Reg. No. 161）
Registered producer group: National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (opens in a new tab)
Category (as registered): 第1類農産物類野菜類（なす）

Seasonal calendar

Greenhouse-grown eggplants are available from March to August and field-grown ones from May to November, with the field crop peaking in July.

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

It contains so much moisture that water drips out when squeezed. In the past, it was planted in the corners of fields and used to quench thirst during farm work under the scorching sun. The skin and flesh are soft, characterized by a subtle sweetness and little scum. It is a brand vegetable representative of the Senshu region, used in pickles and local cuisine, and has become an established part of the region's food culture. It is also popular as a souvenir and gift item representative of Osaka.

Link with the production area

It has been cultivated in the Senshu region since the early Edo period. It was said that its characteristics changed when cultivated in other regions, and it was considered a specialty product that could not be taken outside the region. Through repeated efforts to select superior varieties and improve cultivation techniques, color and taste were improved, and the product was promoted through mass media, thereby raising national recognition.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/250715_10.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)Find online (opens in a new tab)

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

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FAQ

Senshu Mizunasu (Water Eggplant) is produced in Kishiwada, Izumiotsu, Kaizuka, Izumisano, Izumi, Takaishi, Sennan, and Hannan cities; Tadaoka Town in Senboku District; and Kumatori, Tajiri, and Misaki towns in Sennan District, Osaka Prefecture.

Senshu Mizunasu (Water Eggplant) is in season (harvested or shipped) in Mar–Nov. Greenhouse-grown eggplants are available from March to August and field-grown ones from May to November, with the field crop peaking in July.

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

Senshu Mizunasu (Water Eggplant) was registered as a Geographical Indication on January 30, 2025 (Registration No. 161). The registered producer group is National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations.