Food · Fermented foods
Buntan (Pomelo)
ぶんたん (Buntan)
Also known as: Buntan, Pomelo, Citrus maxima, Citrus grandis, 文旦, Banpeiyu, Tosa-buntan
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | ぶんたん |
| Common Japanese notations | ぶんたん, 文旦, ブンタン, 晩白柚, 土佐文旦 |
| Origin | Pomelo (Citrus maxima); the largest citrus species, cultivated in Japan since 18th century; principal modern production regions Kochi (Tosa-buntan, the volume leader), Kumamoto (Banpeiyu — large size up to 25cm), Wakayama, Ehime |
| Typical functions | Premium late-winter/spring citrus retail, Confectionery (buntan-zuke — candied pomelo rind, premium gift), Banpeiyu — premium gift retail (Kumamoto, world's largest citrus), Tosa-buntan Kochi specialty |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard agricultural product labeling. Tosa-buntan (Kochi), Banpeiyu (Kumamoto) regional brands. Not a designated allergen. |
Buntan (ぶんたん / 文旦) — pomelo (Citrus maxima) — is the largest citrus species, cultivated in Japan since the 18th century. Major Japanese cultivars: Tosa-buntan (Kochi volume leader) and Banpeiyu (Kumamoto, world's largest citrus, can exceed 25cm and 5kg). The OEM positioning includes premium retail and gift category, plus traditional buntan-zuke (candied rind) confectionery.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Fresh whole buntan (February-April)
- Banpeiyu giant pomelo gift retail (Kumamoto)
- Buntan-zuke candied rind retail
- Tosa-buntan premium gift
What it is
Pomelo (Citrus maxima), with Tosa-buntan (Kochi standard size) and Banpeiyu (Kumamoto giant) as major Japanese cultivars.
Production: Kochi (volume leader), Kumamoto (Banpeiyu giant), Wakayama, Ehime.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Premium late-winter/spring fresh retail.
Buntan-zuke (candied rind) confectionery.
Banpeiyu giant pomelo gift retail (visual impact).
For OEM: fresh retail, buntan-zuke production, premium gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Tosa-buntan (Kochi), Banpeiyu (Kumamoto) regional brands. Not a designated allergen.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Imported as pomelo. Established global category. |
|---|---|
| USA | Established US pomelo retail. |
| China | China has substantial pomelo production. Japan-origin Banpeiyu positioned as specialty. |
| Korea | Niche specialty positioning. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification of cultivar and origin.
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Sharing similar functions
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From the same origin
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References
- MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — ぶんたん
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.