Why source from Japan
~40% of Japanese citrus volume is unshū mikan; mature cultivation, processing, and chinpi Kampo supply chains established.
Key spec
Brix 10-12; acidity 0.7-1.0%; chinpi (dried peel) used in Kampo; hesperidin-rich peel extracts for cosmetic use.
Typical end-product
Fresh-fruit retail, juice retail, chinpi Kampo herbal, cosmetic peel extracts.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 100 kg fresh; 10–50 kg juice / peel
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Wakayama (largest), Ehime, Shizuoka, Kumamoto
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- October – February
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; cosmetic JSCI listed for peel extract; chinpi Kampo
- INCI name
- Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
- Japanese name
- 温州みかん
- Romaji
- 温州みかん
About this ingredient
The Satsuma mandarin — Japan's most-cultivated citrus by volume (~40% of all Japanese citrus production). Wakayama, Ehime, Shizuoka, and Kumamoto dominate. Distinguished by seedlessness, easy-peel rind, and refreshing sweet-tart balance. Beyond fresh fruit, mikan peel (chinpi) is a classical Kampo herbal raw material with long medicinal history; the peel is also extracted for cosmetic applications. The 'Satsuma' name reflects the variety's introduction to the West from Satsuma province (Kagoshima) in the late 19th century.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; cosmetic JSCI listed for peel extract; chinpi Kampo |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; CosIng listed |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; MoCRA cosmetic use |
| China | GACC food facility registration |
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
Unshū Mikan (Satsuma Mandarin) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Plant-based· shares 4 categories
Shikuwasa (Citrus depressa)
シークヮーサー
Citrus depressa Hayata source; INCI Citrus Depressa Fruit Extract; MOQ from 100 L (fresh juice); 1-10 kg (extract).
Plant-based· shares 4 categories
Japanese Bamboo Charcoal
日本産竹炭
Phyllostachys edulis (Moso Bamboo); Hachiku Bamboo source; MOQ from 100g – 1kg (retail); 500g – 10kg+ (B2B wholesale).
Plant-based· shares 4 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Unshū Mikan (Satsuma Mandarin) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Simpler in China· shares 4 categories
Okayama White Peach
岡山白桃
Brix 12-15+; white flesh; delicate aromatic profile (gamma-decalactone elevated); shelf life short (3-5 days in season).
Simpler in China· shares 4 categories
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Simpler in China· 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