Food · Fermented foods
Rakkyō (Pickled Scallion / Chinese Onion)
らっきょう (Rakkyō)
Also known as: Rakkyō, Chinese onion, Pickled scallion, Allium chinense, 辣韮, Echalote (related but distinct)
Looking for a Japanese supplier of Rakkyō (Pickled Scallion / Chinese Onion)? Tell usAt a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | らっきょう |
| Common Japanese notations | らっきょう, 辣韮, ラッキョウ |
| Origin | Allium chinense bulbs; principal modern domestic production region Tottori (Sand Dune Rakkyō, GI-protected, the volume leader), Kagoshima, Miyazaki; significant Chinese imports for cost-positioned applications |
| Typical functions | Pickled rakkyō (rakkyō-zuke, vinegared) — defining Japanese pickle category, curry accompaniment standard, Sweet pickled rakkyō (ama-zu rakkyō) — milder retail format, Premium Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō GI gift retail |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard agricultural product labeling. GI 'Tottori Sakyu Rakkyō' (Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō) protected designation. Domestic vs Chinese-imported origin disclosure essential. Not a designated allergen. |
Rakkyō (らっきょう / 辣韮) — Allium chinense bulbs — is a defining Japanese pickled vegetable category. Pickled rakkyō (rakkyō-zuke, vinegared) is the standard accompaniment to Japanese curry, and the pickled retail format is one of Japan's volume pickle categories. The OEM positioning is substantial: as pickled rakkyō retail (jars, pouches), as sweet ama-zu pickled retail format, and as premium Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō (GI-protected, the volume leader at the production end). Tottori dominates domestic production with its sand dune cultivation method giving distinctive crisp texture and mild flavor.
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.
- Pickled rakkyō retail (jars, pouches — major retail category)
- Fresh rakkyō (early summer, May-June peak)
- Premium Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō GI gift retail
Ingredient profile
Rakkyō is Allium chinense, distinct from common onion (A. cepa) and shallot. The bulbs are smaller (2-3cm), white, oval, with mild allium flavor.
Production: Tottori (Sand Dune Rakkyō GI), Kagoshima, Miyazaki major regions. Chinese imports.
OEM applications
Pickled rakkyō — vinegared, the canonical Japanese curry accompaniment.
Ama-zu rakkyō (sweet pickled) — milder retail format.
Premium Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō GI gift retail.
For OEM: pickled rakkyō production OEM (volume retail), Tottori GI premium gift retail, fresh rakkyō raw material supply for pickling.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. GI 'Tottori Sakyu Rakkyō' protected designation.
Domestic vs Chinese-imported origin disclosure essential.
Rakkyō is not a designated allergen.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Imported as Chinese onion / pickled rakkyō. Niche specialty in Japanese-cuisine channels. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty in Japanese-cuisine and Asian channels. |
| China | China is major rakkyō producer. Japanese-origin Tottori positioned as premium specialty. |
| Korea | Niche specialty positioning. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification of origin (Tottori GI / Kagoshima / Chinese-imported).
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 Rakkyō (Pickled Scallion / Chinese Onion)?
- Rakkyō (らっきょう / 辣韮) — Allium chinense bulbs — is a defining Japanese pickled vegetable category. Pickled rakkyō (rakkyō-zuke, vinegared) is the standard accompaniment to Japanese curry, and the pickled retail format is one of Japan's volume pickle categories. The OEM positioning is substantial: as pickled rakkyō retail (jars, pouches), as sweet ama-zu pickled retail format, and as premium Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō (GI-protected, the volume leader at the production end). Tottori dominates domestic production with its sand dune cultivation method giving distinctive crisp texture and mild flavor.
- What is the regulatory status of Rakkyō (Pickled Scallion / Chinese Onion) in Japan?
- Standard agricultural product labeling. GI 'Tottori Sakyu Rakkyō' (Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō) protected designation. Domestic vs Chinese-imported origin disclosure essential. Not a designated allergen.
- What products typically use Rakkyō (Pickled Scallion / Chinese Onion)?
- Pickled rakkyō retail (jars, pouches — major retail category) / Fresh rakkyō (early summer, May-June peak) / Premium Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō GI gift retail
- Where does Rakkyō (Pickled Scallion / Chinese Onion) come from?
- Allium chinense bulbs; principal modern domestic production region Tottori (Sand Dune Rakkyō, GI-protected, the volume leader), Kagoshima, Miyazaki; significant Chinese imports for cost-positioned applications
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Rakkyō (Pickled Scallion / Chinese Onion)?
- JSCI: らっきょう
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
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — らっきょう 各形態
- Tottori Sakyu Rakkyō GI documentation
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.