Food · Fermented foods
Shiranuhi (Dekopon)
しらぬひ (Shiranuhi)
Also known as: Shiranuhi, Dekopon, Citrus 'Shiranuhi', 不知火, デコポン
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | しらぬひ |
| Common Japanese notations | しらぬひ, 不知火, デコポン, シラヌヒ |
| Origin | Shiranuhi citrus (Citrus 'Shiranuhi') — hybrid of Kiyomi × Ponkan, developed by Japan's Fruit Tree Research Institute; characteristic 'top-knot' protrusion (giving 'Dekopon' name — 'deko' = bump); principal production regions Kumamoto (Dekopon trademark holder), Ehime, Hiroshima, Saga, Wakayama |
| Typical functions | Premium late-winter/spring citrus retail, Juice production, Confectionery and dessert ingredient, Premium gift retail (Kumamoto Dekopon brand) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard agricultural product labeling. 'Dekopon' is a registered trademark held by JA Kumamoto-ken; only fruit meeting specific quality standards (Brix sugar level, citric acid level) and from authorized cooperatives can be branded 'Dekopon'; other producers sell as 'Shiranuhi.' Not a designated allergen. |
Shiranuhi (しらぬひ / 不知火) — popularly called Dekopon — is one of Japan's most successful modern hybrid citrus (Kiyomi × Ponkan, registered 1972). The characteristic 'top-knot' protrusion gives the popular name. The OEM positioning is premium late-winter/spring citrus: as fresh retail (peak February-April), as juice production, and as premium gift retail. Critical brand-protection note: 'Dekopon' is a registered trademark of JA Kumamoto-ken — only fruit meeting specific quality standards (Brix ≥13, acid ≤1.0%) from authorized cooperatives can use the Dekopon name. Other producers sell as 'Shiranuhi.'
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Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Fresh whole Shiranuhi/Dekopon (February-April peak)
- Premium Kumamoto Dekopon gift retail
- Juice production
Ingredient profile
Shiranuhi citrus, hybrid of Kiyomi × Ponkan with distinctive top-knot protrusion.
Production: Kumamoto (Dekopon trademark holder), Ehime, Hiroshima, Saga, Wakayama.
OEM applications
Premium late-winter citrus retail.
Juice production.
Confectionery applications.
Premium Kumamoto Dekopon gift retail.
For OEM: fresh retail (Dekopon trademark requires authorization, otherwise Shiranuhi naming), juice OEM, premium gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. 'Dekopon' trademark restricted to JA Kumamoto-authorized cooperative product meeting quality standards.
'Shiranuhi' (general name) is unrestricted.
Not a designated allergen.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Niche specialty positioning. |
|---|---|
| USA | Sumo Citrus brand markets shiranuhi-style fruit in US (licensed). |
| China | China has its own bumpy-citrus production. |
| Korea | Korea has substantial Hallabong (한라봉) — same shiranuhi cultivar with Korean naming. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification of brand status (Dekopon authorized vs Shiranuhi).
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 Shiranuhi (Dekopon)?
- Shiranuhi (しらぬひ / 不知火) — popularly called Dekopon — is one of Japan's most successful modern hybrid citrus (Kiyomi × Ponkan, registered 1972). The characteristic 'top-knot' protrusion gives the popular name. The OEM positioning is premium late-winter/spring citrus: as fresh retail (peak February-April), as juice production, and as premium gift retail. Critical brand-protection note: 'Dekopon' is a registered trademark of JA Kumamoto-ken — only fruit meeting specific quality standards (Brix ≥13, acid ≤1.0%) from authorized cooperatives can use the Dekopon name. Other producers sell as 'Shiranuhi.'
- What is the regulatory status of Shiranuhi (Dekopon) in Japan?
- Standard agricultural product labeling. 'Dekopon' is a registered trademark held by JA Kumamoto-ken; only fruit meeting specific quality standards (Brix sugar level, citric acid level) and from authorized cooperatives can be branded 'Dekopon'; other producers sell as 'Shiranuhi.' Not a designated allergen.
- What products typically use Shiranuhi (Dekopon)?
- Fresh whole Shiranuhi/Dekopon (February-April peak) / Premium Kumamoto Dekopon gift retail / Juice production
- Where does Shiranuhi (Dekopon) come from?
- Shiranuhi citrus (Citrus 'Shiranuhi') — hybrid of Kiyomi × Ponkan, developed by Japan's Fruit Tree Research Institute; characteristic 'top-knot' protrusion (giving 'Dekopon' name — 'deko' = bump); principal production regions Kumamoto (Dekopon trademark holder), Ehime, Hiroshima, Saga, Wakayama
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Shiranuhi (Dekopon)?
- JSCI: しらぬひ
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References
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — しらぬひ
- JA Kumamoto-ken Dekopon trademark documentation
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.