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.
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Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Fresh whole buntan (February-April)
- Banpeiyu giant pomelo gift retail (Kumamoto)
- Buntan-zuke candied rind retail
- Tosa-buntan premium gift
Ingredient profile
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.
OEM applications
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. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification of cultivar and origin.
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Seasonality & supply calendar
- Harvest months
- December – April (storage-cured)
- Peak supply
- February – March
- Off-season
- May – November
Source: 農林水産省 果樹生産出荷統計. Kochi 土佐文旦 (approximately 95% national share per 令和3年 / R3 特産果樹生産動態等調査 — ~8,455t of ~8,885t national total), Kumamoto (Banpeiyu — separate large-size cultivar), Kagoshima.
Alternative ingredients
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Quick answers
- What is Buntan (Pomelo)?
- 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.
- What is the regulatory status of Buntan (Pomelo) in Japan?
- Standard agricultural product labeling. Tosa-buntan (Kochi), Banpeiyu (Kumamoto) regional brands. Not a designated allergen.
- What products typically use Buntan (Pomelo)?
- Fresh whole buntan (February-April) / Banpeiyu giant pomelo gift retail (Kumamoto) / Buntan-zuke candied rind retail / Tosa-buntan premium gift
- Where does Buntan (Pomelo) come from?
- 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
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Buntan (Pomelo)?
- JSCI: ぶんたん
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References
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) 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.