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)
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| 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.
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
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Pickled rakkyō retail (jars, pouches — major retail category)
- Fresh rakkyō (early summer, May-June peak)
- Premium Tottori Sand Dune Rakkyō GI gift retail
What it is
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.
Typical uses in Japanese products
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. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification of origin (Tottori GI / Kagoshima / Chinese-imported).
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From the same origin
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References
- MEXT 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.