Food · Fermented foods

Karin (Japanese Quince)

かりん (Karin)

Also known as: Karin, Japanese quince, Pseudocydonia sinensis, 花梨, 榠樝

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameかりん
Common Japanese notationsかりん, 花梨, 榠樝
OriginKarin (Pseudocydonia sinensis); cultivated in Japan since ancient times for ornamental and traditional medicinal use; principal modern production in Yamagata, Nagano, Tohoku regions; the fruit is too astringent and hard to eat raw, used exclusively for processing
Typical functionsKarin-shu (karin liquor) — traditional homemade and commercial, Karin-shiroppu (karin syrup) — for cough/throat traditional use, Karin-cha (karin tea) — traditional throat-warming beverage, Functional positioning (traditional throat support)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard agricultural product labeling. Karin requires processing — not eaten raw. Not a designated allergen.

Karin (かりん / 花梨) is Japanese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis), a fruit too astringent and hard to eat raw, used exclusively for processed applications: as karin-shu (traditional liquor, both homemade and commercial), as karin-shiroppu (syrup for traditional throat-care), as karin-cha (warming tea), and with traditional throat-support functional positioning. Yamagata and Nagano are major modern production regions.

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Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Fresh karin (autumn seasonal, October-November, primarily for processing)
  • Karin-shu retail liquor
  • Karin-shiroppu retail
  • Karin-cha tea retail

Ingredient profile

Karin is Pseudocydonia sinensis, hard yellow fruit with strong aromatic profile, requiring processing.

OEM applications

Karin-shu liquor.

Karin-shiroppu (syrup).

Karin-cha (tea).

Traditional throat-support functional positioning.

For OEM: karin processing for syrup, liquor, tea, and functional throat product OEM.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Processing required. Not a designated allergen.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty positioning.
USANiche specialty positioning.
ChinaChina has its own karin tradition.
KoreaKorea has its own moqua (모과) culture.

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.

Quick answers

What is Karin (Japanese Quince)?
Karin (かりん / 花梨) is Japanese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis), a fruit too astringent and hard to eat raw, used exclusively for processed applications: as karin-shu (traditional liquor, both homemade and commercial), as karin-shiroppu (syrup for traditional throat-care), as karin-cha (warming tea), and with traditional throat-support functional positioning. Yamagata and Nagano are major modern production regions.
What is the regulatory status of Karin (Japanese Quince) in Japan?
Standard agricultural product labeling. Karin requires processing — not eaten raw. Not a designated allergen.
What products typically use Karin (Japanese Quince)?
Fresh karin (autumn seasonal, October-November, primarily for processing) / Karin-shu retail liquor / Karin-shiroppu retail / Karin-cha tea retail
Where does Karin (Japanese Quince) come from?
Karin (Pseudocydonia sinensis); cultivated in Japan since ancient times for ornamental and traditional medicinal use; principal modern production in Yamagata, Nagano, Tohoku regions; the fruit is too astringent and hard to eat raw, used exclusively for processing
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Karin (Japanese Quince)?
JSCI: かりん

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References

  1. 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — かりん

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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