Taishu Soba Buckwheat (Nagasaki): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

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

Taishu Soba is a native buckwheat of Taishu (another name for Tsushima island). Compared to buckwheat produced in other production areas, Taishu Soba is flavorous and has rich texture. It also has bitterness close to the original buckwheat variety. Although each grain is small, Taishu Soba is uniformly sized and highly densed.

Link with the production area

Tsushima was on the route when buckwheat was first introduced from China to Japan via the Korean Peninsula, and it is considered to be the first place in Japan buckwheat was introduced. Tsushima is a remote island where there is low possibility of crossbreeding with buckwheat from other areas. In addition to this geographical condition, preservation and management of the native variety by the producers and administrators have been conducted.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s61.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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It is sold in many forms, such as flour and dried noodles, so look for the GI mark when choosing.

FAQ

A native buckwheat preserved on Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture (Taishu is an old name for the island). Tsushima lay on the route by which buckwheat reached Japan via the Korean Peninsula and is thought to be where it first arrived. The grains are small but uniform and well filled, with a bitterness close to the original species.

Taishu Soba Buckwheat is produced in Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture.

Taishu Soba Buckwheat is shipped all year round.

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

Taishu Soba Buckwheat was registered as a Geographical Indication on April 9, 2018 (Registration No. 61). The registered producer group is Taishu Buckwheat Promotion Council.