Yoshikawa Eggplant (Fukui): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Harvested mainly from June to November.

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

Yoshikawa Nasu is a oval shaped eggplant which is about ten centimeters in diameter. It is glossy and dark purple, and the pulp is dense. Its texture is thick and the juiciness helps maintain the firmness even if it is thoroughly cooked. Yoshikawa Nasu is often used in restaurants including Ryōtei (Japanese-style luxury restaurant) because its strong taste and the unique large shape are especially preferred.

Link with the production area

Yoshikawa Nasu has been cultivated throughout the old Yoshikawa Village in Sabae City. The area is fertile as it is located in the arm of Hino River and the valley of Tenno River, and receives optimum amount of rainfall. These national conditions suit well for the production of eggplant which requires good amount of water and nutrients. The area also has passed down Yoshikawa Nasu without improving the variety.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s14.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)

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

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FAQ

Yoshikawa Eggplant is a round eggplant passed down without varietal improvement in the former Yoshikawa Village area of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture. Glossy black-purple and about 10 cm across, it has dense flesh that turns silky when cooked yet holds its shape, and its rich flavor makes it popular with Japanese restaurants.

Yoshikawa Eggplant is produced in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture.

Yoshikawa Eggplant is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jun–Nov. Harvested mainly from June to November.

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

Yoshikawa Eggplant was registered as a Geographical Indication on July 12, 2016 (Registration No. 14). The registered producer group is Sabae City Traditional Vegetables Cultivation Research Group.