Food · Fermented foods
Karasumi (Salt-Cured Mullet Roe)
からすみ (Karasumi)
Also known as: Karasumi, Salt-cured mullet roe, Bottarga (Italian), 唐墨, 鯔の子
Listed on the Sourcing platform — request supplier introductionsAt a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | からすみ |
| Common Japanese notations | からすみ, 唐墨, カラスミ |
| Origin | Salt-cured grey mullet (bora) roe — see bora entry; principal Japanese production region Nagasaki (heritage area, the first Japanese karasumi production); one of Japan's three great chinmi delicacies (alongside konowata sea cucumber gut and uni) |
| Typical functions | Ultra-premium chinmi delicacy — Japan's three great chinmi, Premium kaiseki specialty — sliced thin, served with sake, Premium gift retail (Nagasaki Karasumi), Modern fusion-pasta application (karasumi-pasta) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. Nagasaki Karasumi regional brand. Fish allergen recommended. |
Karasumi (からすみ / 唐墨) is salt-cured grey mullet (bora) roe — one of Japan's three great chinmi delicacies. Nagasaki is the heritage production region. Ultra-premium gift retail and kaiseki specialty.
Find OEM manufacturers
Browse Japanese OEM manufacturers that build products in this category. Filter by small lot, certifications, prefecture.
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
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Whole karasumi premium gift retail
- Sliced karasumi retail
Ingredient profile
Salt-cured grey mullet (bora) roe.
OEM applications
Ultra-premium chinmi.
Premium kaiseki specialty.
Premium Nagasaki gift retail.
Modern fusion-pasta.
For OEM: Nagasaki karasumi production OEM, ultra-premium gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Nagasaki regional brand. Fish allergen recommended.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | EU bottarga is established global category. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty positioning. |
| China | China has its own wuyuzi 烏魚子 mullet roe culture. |
| Korea | Niche specialty positioning. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Karasumi (Salt-Cured Mullet Roe)?
- Karasumi (からすみ / 唐墨) is salt-cured grey mullet (bora) roe — one of Japan's three great chinmi delicacies. Nagasaki is the heritage production region. Ultra-premium gift retail and kaiseki specialty.
- What is the regulatory status of Karasumi (Salt-Cured Mullet Roe) in Japan?
- Standard food labeling. Nagasaki Karasumi regional brand. Fish allergen recommended.
- What products typically use Karasumi (Salt-Cured Mullet Roe)?
- Whole karasumi premium gift retail / Sliced karasumi retail
- Where does Karasumi (Salt-Cured Mullet Roe) come from?
- Salt-cured grey mullet (bora) roe — see bora entry; principal Japanese production region Nagasaki (heritage area, the first Japanese karasumi production); one of Japan's three great chinmi delicacies (alongside konowata sea cucumber gut and uni)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Karasumi (Salt-Cured Mullet Roe)?
- JSCI: からすみ
Related ingredients — substitutes, pairings, processing chain
Often used with
Ingredients frequently paired in the same recipe or formulation.
Same category
Other ingredients in the same sub-category.
Explore related ingredients
Used in similar product applications
Other ingredients commonly used in the same finished-product families.
Abura-age (Fried Thin Tofu)
油揚げ
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)
あげまき
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ago Dashi (Flying Fish Stock)
あごだし
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ahiru-niku (Domestic Duck)
あひる 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Aigamo-niku (Hybrid Duck)
かも あいがも 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
Related guides & how-to
Related case studies
Regulatory guidance
Take the next step
Search the academic literature
Pre-filled queries for the major research databases. Opens in a new tab.
Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- Editorial — Japan Nagasaki karasumi heritage production reference
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.