Tottori Sakyu Rakkyo (Tottori): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Harvested from late May to mid-June, with some harvesting into early 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

Tottori Sakyu Rakkyo / Fukube Sakyu Rakkyo has a white color appearance and has crunchy texture. The flesh is firm and each clove has even thickness.

Link with the production area

The sandy fields adjacent to the Tottori Sakyu(sand dune) are characterized by low fertility because of the strong and dry winds and the sandy soil (The depth of the sand layer is 70 meters). This characteristic also indicates that the fields contain no excessive water and nutrients , which in fact are suitable for the cultivation of Tottori and Fukube Sakyu Rakkyo.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s11.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.

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

Products from other prefectures are also sold as “sakyu rakkyo,” so look for ones from Tottori (Fukube) bearing the GI mark.

FAQ

This rakkyo (Japanese scallion) is grown in sandy fields next to the Tottori Sand Dunes in Fukube, Tottori City. The bulbs are firm with evenly thick layers, giving a crisp, crunchy bite, and they are white in appearance. It is also sold as Fukube Sakyu Rakkyo.

Tottori Sakyu Rakkyo is produced in Sand dune fields adjacent to the Tottori Sand Dunes in Fukube Town, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture.

Tottori Sakyu Rakkyo is in season (harvested or shipped) in May–Jun. Harvested from late May to mid-June, with some harvesting into early 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.

Tottori Sakyu Rakkyo was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 10, 2016 (Registration No. 11). The registered producer group is JA Tottori Inaba (Japan Agricultural Cooperative).