Food · Fermented foods

Kurage (Salt-Cured Jellyfish)

くらげ (Kurage)

Also known as: Kurage, Salt-cured jellyfish, Rhopilema esculentum, 海月, 水母, Kurage-no-su-no-mono

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameくらげ
Common Japanese notationsくらげ, 海月, 水母, クラゲ
OriginEdible jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum and related species); processed by salt-curing; principal supply from Chinese imports for both Japanese retail and Chinese-cuisine markets globally
Typical functionsChinese-influenced cuisine accent — distinctive crunchy texture, Kurage-no-su-no-mono (vinegared jellyfish appetizer)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Imported origin (China) typically. Not a designated allergen but cnidarian/jellyfish recognition for sensitive consumers.

Kurage (くらげ / 海月) is salt-cured edible jellyfish, used in Chinese-influenced cuisine for its distinctive crunchy texture. Kurage-no-su-no-mono (vinegared jellyfish appetizer) is a defining application.

Classification

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

Used in (typical product categories)

Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.

  • Salt-cured kurage retail (rehydrated for cooking)

What it is

Rhopilema esculentum and related edible jellyfish, salt-cured.

Typical uses in Japanese products

Kurage-no-su-no-mono.

Chinese-influenced cooking.

For OEM: salt-cured retail.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Imported origin (China). Not a designated allergen.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty in Asian cuisine.
USANiche specialty in Asian cuisine channels.
ChinaChina is major edible jellyfish producer.
KoreaNiche specialty positioning.

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification.

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References

  1. MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — くらげ 塩蔵 塩抜き

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

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