Wakayama Nunohiki Daikon Radish (Wakayama): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Available from about November to March, peaking around 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

Grown on sandy soil in the districts of Nunohiki, Uchihara, Kimiidera, and Kemi in Wakayama City, Wakayama Nunohiki Daikon is a variety of aokubi (lit. "green neck") daikon characterized by its small taper--more or less uniform thickness from top to bottom--scarcity of root hair, and fine smooth texture with only very shallow root scars. The quality is rated highly by the market, contributing to its high prices.

Link with the production area

The local sandy soil is ideal for the growth of Wakayama Nunohiki Daikon because of its excellent air circulation and drainage properties, which provide good oxygen supply deeper into the soil. The softness of the soil is also an asset. Watering is facilitated by nearby Kinokawa--a major river--and abundant supply of groundwater. Line testing and establishing when to harvest were tasks previously left to producers, but since since 1999, these have been carried out by Wakayama Agricultural Cooperative to ensure exact and consistent quality control.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s108.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.

We have not found a reliable online or furusato nozei listing yet. Ask local farm stands or the producer group.

FAQ

A green-necked daikon radish grown in the sandy fields of Nunohiki and nearby districts of Wakayama City. It is uniformly thick from top to bottom, with few root hairs and fine-textured skin. The local agricultural cooperative manages the seed line and the optimal harvest timing.

Wakayama Nunohiki Daikon Radish is produced in Nunohiki, Uchihara, Kimiidera and Kemi Districts, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture.

Wakayama Nunohiki Daikon Radish is in season (harvested or shipped) in Nov–Mar. Available from about November to March, peaking around December.

We have not confirmed a reliable online or furusato nozei listing. Local farm stands or the producer group are your best bet.

Wakayama Nunohiki Daikon Radish was registered as a Geographical Indication on May 31, 2021 (Registration No. 108). The registered producer group is Wakayama Agricultural Cooperative.