Okinawa Ukon (Turmeric)
沖縄ウコン (Okinawa Ukon)
Why source from Japan
Three species of turmeric cultivated in Okinawa.
Key spec
Curcuma longa (aki-ukon) / Curcuma aromatica (haru-ukon) / Curcuma zedoaria (murasaki-ukon) source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 1-100 kg (powder).
Typical end-product
Capsule supplements — Antioxidant and liver-comfort positioning, primarily using Curcuma longa.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 3 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 1-100 kg (powder)
- Regions of origin
- Okinawa Prefecture, Amami Islands
- Category
- Okinawan longevity ingredients
- Japan regulatory status
- Food ingredient; FFC-compatible with curcumin
- Japanese name
- 沖縄ウコン
- Romaji
- Okinawa Ukon
About this ingredient
Three species of turmeric cultivated in Okinawa. Autumn turmeric is curcumin-rich, spring and purple varieties are essential oil-rich.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food ingredient; FFC-compatible with curcumin |
|---|---|
| EU | Curcumin E100 approved colorant |
| United States | GRAS for turmeric and curcumin |
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Where is Okinawa ukon cultivated?
Cultivation is centered across Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands; vertically integrated producers operate farm-to-finished-good supply chains.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What MOQ should buyers expect for ukon powder?
Typical MOQs range from 1 kg (for confectionery R&D) to 100 kg (production lots).
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. How are forms typically supplied?
Supply forms include mesh-graded powder, liquid extract, capsule fill, and standardized curcumin extract. Single-species vs. blended products should be specified in the PO.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What documentation should buyers request?
Standard requests include curcumin or essential oil assay COA, mesh size, microbiology, heavy metals (especially lead), residual solvents for extracts, and species verification.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Are there special considerations for export to the EU?
Curcumin-standardized extracts may be subject to specific EU food supplement frameworks at the national level; novel food review is occasionally relevant for specific concentrated preparations. Verify case by case.
Sources
Use cases
Capsule supplements
- Positioning
- Antioxidant and liver-comfort positioning, primarily using Curcuma longa
- Formulation notes
- Often combined with bioavailability enhancers (lipid carriers, piperine — if local rules permit)
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Functional beverages (pre-drinking 'ukon drinks')
- Positioning
- Pre-drinking liver-comfort beverage category
- Formulation notes
- Powder dispersion and flavor masking are key formulation challenges
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Culinary powders
- Positioning
- Ryukyu-cuisine seasoning and natural color
- Formulation notes
- Heat-stable color performance is application-dependent
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
More cost-efficient options
Okinawa Ukon (Turmeric) is positioned in the premium tier. These ingredients offer similar functions at lower cost:
Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
ヨモギ
Artemisia princeps (mainland) / Artemisia indica (Okinawan Fuchiba) source; INCI Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract; MOQ from 1-100 kg (dried); 100 g – 10 kg (extract).
Cost-efficient· shares 3 categories
Japanese Jujube
日本産ナツメ
Ziziphus jujuba source; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (dried); 100 g – 1 kg (extract).
Cost-efficient· shares 3 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).
Cost-efficient· shares 2 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Kanehide Bio Co., Ltd.
金秀バイオ株式会社
Tomigusuku, OkinawaEnglish supportExport experienceISO22000Japan Health Food GMPAll three Okinawa turmeric species (aki, haru, murasaki)
Nakazen Co., Ltd.
株式会社仲善
Okinawa100% Okinawa-grown turmeric; long-term contract cultivation
DNA Bank Retail Inc.
株式会社 DNA BANK RETAIL
OkinawaRare varieties including red turmeric
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Last updated: 2026-04-24