Food · Fermented foods

Makomo (Wild Rice / Manchurian Wild Rice)

まこも (Makomo)

Also known as: Makomo, Manchurian wild rice, Zizania latifolia stem, 真菰, Makomo-take

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameまこも
Common Japanese notationsまこも, 真菰, マコモ, マコモタケ
OriginSwollen base stems of Zizania latifolia (Manchurian wild rice) infected by smut fungus, producing edible thickened stalks; modern Japanese cultivation in Mie and other regions
Typical functionsStir-fry, simmered, tempura preparations, Asian-fusion specialty ingredient, Bamboo-shoot-like premium positioning
Regulatory status in JapanStandard agricultural product labeling. Niche specialty. Not a designated allergen.

Makomo (まこも / 真菰), specifically makomo-take (the swollen edible base stem produced by smut fungus infection), is a Chinese-influenced specialty vegetable also cultivated in Japan with autumn seasonal availability. The texture and flavor resemble bamboo shoot. The OEM positioning is autumn specialty regional retail.

Classification

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

Functions

Regulatory tags

Used in (typical product categories)

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

  • Fresh makomo-take retail (autumn seasonal)

What it is

Makomo-take is the swollen base stem of Zizania latifolia infected by smut fungus, producing the edible thickened part. Distinct from the grain (true wild rice).

Typical uses in Japanese products

Stir-fry, simmered, tempura preparations.

For OEM: regional autumn retail.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Niche specialty. Not a designated allergen.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty positioning.
USANiche specialty positioning. Note 'wild rice' the grain is unrelated.
ChinaChina has substantial gausun (茭白) tradition.
KoreaNiche specialty positioning.

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification of regional origin.

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.

References

  1. MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — まこも

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

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