Why source from Japan
Kamo Nasu is one of the Kyoto Heirloom Vegetables (Kyo-Yasai); cultivation strictly controlled in Kamo / Kamigamo cooperative; central to Kyoto kaiseki summer cuisine.
Key spec
Round shape (~10 cm diameter); flesh density elevated; minimal seed cavity; fits dengaku miso preparation.
Typical end-product
Fine-dining kaiseki ingredient, premium retail Kyo-yasai, hospitality summer cuisine.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 5–25 kg fresh; cooperative-allocated
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks (in season)
- Regions of origin
- Kyoto (Kamo, Kamigamo)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- May – September (peak July – August)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; Kyoto Heirloom Vegetables (Kyo-Yasai) registered
- Japanese name
- 賀茂茄子
- Romaji
- 賀茂茄子
About this ingredient
Round, dense Kyoto-heritage eggplant cultivar grown in the Kamo / Kamigamo area of Kyoto. One of the recognised 'Kyoto Heirloom Vegetables' (Kyo-Yasai). Distinguished from common eggplant by its near-spherical shape, dense flesh, and minimal seed cavity — making it ideal for grilling and miso-stewed dishes. Production is small (cooperative-controlled in Kyoto) and commands per-kg pricing 5-10× standard nasu. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; Kyoto Heirloom Vegetables (Kyo-Yasai) registered |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; phytosanitary certificate |
| 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
Kamo Nasu (Round Kyoto Eggplant) 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
Phase 1 manufacturer onboarding is in progress. If you are actively sourcing this ingredient and would like to be introduced to candidate Japanese producers, send an inquiry and our team will return with options.
Disclaimer
Japan Ingredient Sourcing Platform introduces overseas buyers to Japanese ingredient manufacturers. The platform is an information service only and is not a party to any purchase, supply, or manufacturing contract between buyer and seller.
Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
The platform operator is not licensed to provide legal, regulatory, customs, tax, or professional advice. References to third-party companies, products, certifications, trademarks, and geographical indications (GI) are factual and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Last updated: 2026-05-05