Why source from Japan
Tamba Kuromame is one of Japan's MAFF-registered GI products; cooperative-controlled supply with 200+ year heritage in osechi confectionery.
Key spec
Anthocyanin (cyanidin-3-glucoside) 50-150 mg/100g dry; protein 36-40%; isoflavone 200-300 mg/100g.
Typical end-product
Premium osechi black-bean confectionery, anthocyanin-positioned supplements, kuromame-cha for export retail.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 100 kg dry beans; 10–50 kg processed; 1–10 kg extract
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Hyogo (Tamba, Sasayama), Kyoto (Fukuchiyama)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- Late October – November
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; GI-protected (Tamba Kuromame, MAFF GI register); cosmetic extract JSCI
- Japanese name
- 丹波黒大豆
- Romaji
- Tamba Kuromame
About this ingredient
Premium large black soybean (kuromame) cultivated in the Tamba region (eastern Hyogo / north-central Kyoto). Distinguished by exceptional bean size (~100 beans per 30g vs typical 70 per 30g) and anthocyanin-rich black seed coat. Used in osechi (New Year) confectionery, kuromame-cha (black-bean tea), and as feedstock for anthocyanin-positioned functional food extracts. Production is GI-protected ('Tamba Kuromame' GI registered with MAFF), with cooperative-controlled volume that drives premium pricing. Distinct from the existing 'kinako' (roasted soybean flour) entry.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; GI-protected (Tamba Kuromame, MAFF GI register); cosmetic extract JSCI |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; CosIng comparable; GI-recognition under EU-Japan EPA |
| United States | GRAS; soy-allergen labelling per FALCPA |
| China | GACC food facility registration; verify GI recognition |
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
Tamba Kuromame (Black Soybean) 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
Tamba Kuromame (Black Soybean) 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
Kojiya Honten
糀屋本店
Saiki, OitaEst. 1689English supportHeritage osechi confectionery
Morinaga & Co., Ltd.
森永製菓株式会社
TokyoEst. 1918English supportExport experiencePremium kuromame confectionery
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Last updated: 2026-05-05