[Yamagata/Akita] More than 90% of Japan's distribution comes from Tohoku! Akebi, one of the autumn flavors

Akebi is not a commonly distributed fruit, but it is famous as one of the autumn flavors .

Although it has a strong image of growing wild in mountainous areas, it is actually cultivated commercially, with Yamagata and Akita prefectures accounting for over 90% of domestic production

What is Akebi?

Akebia is a type of vine deciduous shrub of the Akebiaceae family that is distributed in Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, excluding Hokkaido, and grows naturally in sunny mountains and fields.

The stems grow into vines that intertwine with other trees, and when the fruit ripens, it splits vertically to expose the sweet white pulp and black seeds. This state is called akebi and is the origin of the name akebi.

Akebi has various uses as a food ingredient.

Akebia fruit ripens in autumn, and its white, sticky flesh has a banana-like texture and is sweet, giving it a strong image of being a fruit, but its skin can also be eaten.

The skin of the fruit is used like a vegetable; it can be stir-fried with minced meat and miso, or it can be stuffed with meat, miso, mushrooms, etc., and fried. It is known that it goes well with oil.

Link: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Our Local Cuisine” – Grilled Akebi Stuffed with Miso/Akebi Grilled in Oil

Furthermore, the young buds that sprout in spring are used as wild plants, and the woody vine-like stems that grow and become woody are sometimes used as herbal medicines.

In some parts of Akita Prefecture, akebia seeds were pressed into oil and used as edible oil, and it is said that it was once a luxury product known as the ``king of edible oils.'' It once declined as cheap cooking oil became popular, but in 2017, it was commercialized again as a high-quality cooking oil, mainly in the former Nishiki Village (currently Semboku City).

It is truly a versatile plant that has no place to throw it away.

Akebi nutrients

The pulp contains a lot of "vitamin C", and the vitamin C content per 100g of edible portion is 65mg, which is second only to kiwi fruit and persimmon, making it one of the highest among fruits. It also contains folic acid, which is said to be effective in preventing anemia.

The peel also contains a lot of potassium, which promotes the excretion of salt and prevents high blood pressure.

Did Menard Cosmetics discover that Akebia has a diet effect?

Nippon Menard Cosmetics Co., Ltd. discovered that the extract extracted from Akebia fruit has the effect of increasing beige fat cells in the subcutaneous tissue, which have the property of consuming fat as heat, and it was announced in 2023.

Since then, health foods containing Akebia extract have also been sold.

Over 90% of the nationwide distribution is produced in Yamagata and Akita prefectures.

Akebia is a crop that has not been cultivated commercially in a large area, and the absolute amount of it distributed is small, but most of the akebia distributed in Japan comes from the Tohoku region.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2020

1. Yamagata Prefecture Yield: 44.8 tons Share: 73.44%
2. Akita Prefecture Yield: 16.2 tons Share: 26.56%
3. none

domestic production is produced in Yamagata and Akita prefectures. However, are there other regions that produce it even in small quantities? Due to this speculation, I deliberately avoided making a 100% statement.

In Yamagata Prefecture, a group in Tendo City collected produce from the mountains and shipped it to the Kanto region, which received high praise, leading to an increase in production mainly in Tendo City, Shirataka Town, and Asahi Town. In Akita Prefecture, most of the production seems to be in Yurihonjo City.

Link: Delicious Yamagata – ``Akebi'' transmitting the unique local food culture

summary

Akebia is a versatile plant that can be used in its entirety, including the fruit, the pericarp, and the stem and seeds.

It's an ingredient that you don't get many chances to eat, but if you have the chance, why not give it a try!

It can be purchased at various online shops during the harvest season from September to October.