Yatsushiro Tokusan Banpeiyu Pomelo (Kumamoto): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

A winter fruit, shipped mainly from mid-December to around February.

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

Bampeiyu is a variety of large citrus fruit related to the pomelo. It can weigh more than 4 kg. The fruit is delicious, with a powerfully refreshing citrus fragrance, and good levels of sweetness and zesty tartness. A much-loved winter fruit in the local Yatsurshiro region, Bampeiyu is also rated highly by the market as an excellent gift item suitable for oseibo and other occasions.

Link with the production area

The local area is ideal for Bampeiyu production because the climate is warm, with long sunshine hours and low risk of frost thanks to sea breeze blowing from the Yatsushiro Sea. Fertile, well-drained soil and abundant water supply are also assets. Production became a local industry after cultivation and management knowhow for producing large fruits was established based on those for pomelo and others. The rigorous quality standards for shipped Bampeiyu have been in place since 1965, when a committee was established for the purpose.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s94.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.

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

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FAQ

A large pomelo-type citrus from the Yatsushiro area of Kumamoto, with the biggest fruits exceeding 4 kg. It has a strong, refreshing citrus aroma with moderate sweetness and acidity, and is a signature winter fruit of Yatsushiro, popular as a year-end gift.

Yatsushiro Tokusan Banpeiyu Pomelo is produced in Yatsushiro City and Hikawa Town (Yatsushiro County), Kumamoto Prefecture.

Yatsushiro Tokusan Banpeiyu Pomelo is in season (harvested or shipped) in Dec–Feb. A winter fruit, shipped mainly from mid-December to around February.

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

Yatsushiro Tokusan Banpeiyu Pomelo was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 30, 2020 (Registration No. 94). The registered producer group is Yatsushiro GI Brand Promotion Association.