Kagawa prefecture products

Kintoki Ninjin Carrot

Photo of carrots at the time of gold

Kagawa is Japan’s top producer of brilliant red Kintoki Ninjin Carrots. It is said that this Asian variety of carrot came to Japan from China during the Edo period (1603-1867). In special New Year’s dishes and cuisine from Kyoto it is prized for its red color, and compared with orange Western varieties of carrot that are commonly available, Kintoki Ninjin Carrots have a sweet flavor and soft texture. They are mainly grown in the sandy regions of Sakaide City and Kan-onji City. Growers are especially busy during the New Year’s holidays, when demand for Kintoki Ninjin Carrots is high.

Seasonal season
Time to go around Peak season (seasonal season)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Main production area
Sakaide City, Kanonji City

  • Fresh Kintoki Ninjin Carrots will have a deep red color, and overall glossy sheen.

    Kintoki Ninjin Carrots are an indispensable ingredient in “Anmochi Zoni”, a local dish from Kagawa consisting of miso soup, vegetables and rice cake with red bean paste. In Anmochi Zoni, carrots are usually cut in round slices that resemble the shape of the rising sun. Besides being served glazed, simmered or pickled, you can also cook peeled and grated Kintoki Ninjin Carrots together with rice.

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The 41st Kinki Carrot

Watch the video "The 41st Kintoki Carrot"

Obara Katsunori
Obara Farm
Organization name Kagawa Prefectural Agricultural Cooperative Ayasaka Agricultural Center Horticulture Division
Group location 1086 3 Takayacho, Sakaide-shi
Recommended way of eating Carrot juice, Kinpira, etc. at Kinki
Prefecture retail store Prefectural supermarket, JA direct market
Kintoki Ninjin Carrots are not just used in simmered dishes or Anmochi Zoni for New Year’s holidays, but in all kinds of Japanese cooking as well. Kagawa is proud to be the top producer of Kintoki Ninjin Carrots in Japan. Mr. Obara cultivates carrots in the mineral-rich soil of former salt fields in Sakaide City. These Kintoki Ninjin Carrots, which have been raised in high quality soil with good drainage, feature not only a beautiful, deep vermillion color, but also an intense sweet flavor, soft texture, juicy freshness and long, straight shape. Additionally, they are full of necessary nutrients, such as vitamin A, linolenic acid, and lycopene, which is known for its antioxidant effects. Great-tasting and rich in nutrition, Kintoki Ninjin Carrots are very popular among health-conscious people. December is the best month to enjoy Kintoki Ninjin Carrots, the signature flavor of winter in the Sanuki region. Not just delicious in New Year’s dishes, they would also be great in everyday meals, like heartwarming stews and curries.
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Recipe using this prefecture product

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