Why source from Japan
Three Japanese MAFF-registered GI takana varieties (Aso, Miike, Unzen); Hakata-style tonkotsu-ramen accompaniment positions it for export.
Key spec
Glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanate flavour; salt 5-10% pickled; lactic-acid fermentation profile.
Typical end-product
Premium pickled retail, tonkotsu-ramen export accompaniment, takana furikake.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 10–100 kg pickled; 5–25 kg furikake-grade
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Kumamoto (Aso, GI), Fukuoka (Miike, GI), Nagasaki (Unzen, GI)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- January – March (winter takana)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; multiple regional GI registrations
- Japanese name
- 高菜
- Romaji
- 高菜
About this ingredient
Japanese mustard greens (Brassica juncea), pickled in salt and aged. Three regional GI-protected varieties: Aso Takana (Kumamoto), Miike Takana (Fukuoka), and Unzen Takana (Nagasaki). Pickled takana is the classic accompaniment to Hakata tonkotsu ramen and Kyushu rice dishes. Production has been industrialised through SME-cooperative producers; Mishima Foods supplies a major share of retail furikake using takana. Distinct from existing fermented condiment entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; multiple regional GI registrations |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; GI under EU-Japan EPA |
| United States | GRAS by traditional use; FDA Prior Notice |
| 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
Takana (Japanese Mustard Greens) 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
Easier China regulatory path
Takana (Japanese Mustard Greens) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
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
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).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Simpler in China· 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
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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.
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Last updated: 2026-05-05