Shimizumori Red Pepper (Aomori): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

It is harvested from about July to September.

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

Shimizumori Namba is a variety of chili pepper native to Hirosaki. The fruit is large and long with a pronounced "shoulder." This distinctively-shaped chili pepper has been cultivated in and around today's Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture since the Edo period (17C-19C). It is low in capsaicinoids that cause pungency. Its subtly sweet, mild spiciness and distinctive flavor harmonize well with other ingredients, making it a very versatile spice.

Link with the production area

A variety of chili pepper native to Hirosaki was widely produced locally until around the early 1970s because maximum temperatures in the local area around harvest time matched the crop's growing temperature.Imported chili pepper caused production to decline sharply, however, leaving just one producer in the Shimizumori district by the early 2000s. Production has since gradually recovered thanks to efforts including the establishment of a private-public-academia study group for conducting seed cultivation and management, producer training, and marketing.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s105.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)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.

Some shop links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Hometown tax gifts and online shops mostly offer processed products such as pickled pepper relish, miso and sauces.

FAQ

A heirloom chili pepper passed down since the Edo period around Hirosaki, Aomori. The large, long pods have broad shoulders, and with relatively low capsaicinoid content they offer a mellow, slightly sweet heat and a distinctive flavor, making them versatile as a spice.

Shimizumori Red Pepper is produced in Hirosaki City, Hirakawa City, Nishimeya Village (Nakatsugaru County), and Inakadate Village and Owani Town (Minamitsugaru County), Aomori Prefecture.

Shimizumori Red Pepper is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jul–Sep. It is harvested from about July to September.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation), online shops and the producer group's own shop. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Shimizumori Red Pepper was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 23, 2020 (Registration No. 105). The registered producer group is Zairai Tsugaru Shimizumori Namba Brand Management Research Society.