Why source from Japan
Kagawa and Kyoto heritage cultivation; central to Kyoto Osechi tradition; red-flesh lycopene-rich (vs orange beta-carotene).
Key spec
Lycopene 5-15 mg/100g; beta-carotene present at half typical level; sugar Brix 10-12.
Typical end-product
Osechi New-Year retail, fine-dining nimono, kaiseki premium ingredient.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 10–50 kg fresh
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks (in season)
- Regions of origin
- Kagawa (largest), Kyoto
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- November – February (winter cultivation)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; Kyo-Yasai-comparable; Kagawa regional brand
- Japanese name
- 金時人参
- Romaji
- 金時人参
About this ingredient
Heritage Japanese red-fleshed carrot — distinct from the typical orange Western carrot. Kagawa and Kyoto produce the principal commercial supply. Distinguished by deep red flesh (lycopene-rich, vs typical beta-carotene), longer length (~30 cm), and sweeter / less-pungent profile. Central to Kyoto Osechi (New Year cuisine) preparation. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; Kyo-Yasai-comparable; Kagawa regional brand |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; phytosanitary |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; phytosanitary |
| China | GACC; phytosanitary |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Kintoki Ninjin (Heritage Red Carrot) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
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Last updated: 2026-05-05