Perfect as a souvenir! What is "Sendai Naganasu Pickle"? Where to buy it [Miyagi Prefecture]

When people think of Miyagi Prefecture's specialties, many might think of sasakama (fish cake) or beef tongue, but actually,"Sendai Naganasu-zuke" (pickled Sendai long eggplant)is also a local specialty that has been popular in the prefecture for a long time.

This time, we will introduce the characteristics, taste, and places where you can purchase Sendai Naganasu Pickles, which are perfect as a souvenir from your trip


What is Sendai's specialty "Sendai Naganasu Pickle"?

First, for those who are not familiar with Sendai Naganasu Pickles, we will introduce their characteristics

Pickles with a history of over 400 years

The origin of the Sendai Naganasu is said to be in 1593, when the Sendai Domain brought back seeds from Hakata and began cultivating them in their territory

It has a slender, small appearance, and a distinctive feature is that it is pickled whole without being cut. The most familiar seasoning is a light soy sauce base, but some manufacturers alsomiso-pickledormustard-pickledoffer

It has a crispy texture when you take a bite, and the flavor is not too strong, so it can be eaten in a variety of situations, from as a side dish with rice or somen noodles to as a snack with tea

The difference between "Sendai Naganasu" and regular eggplant

The difference between the "Sendai Naga Nasu" used for pickles and regular eggplants is their appearance and delicacy. In terms of appearance, the eggplants used for "Sendai Naga Nasu Pickles" are harvested at a cute size of 8 to 11 cm, so you might think they are still in the middle of growing

And speaking of delicacy, the "Sendai Long Eggplant"characterized by its extremely thin skin, which is easily damaged. As a result, there are few producers, and it is rarely seen in supermarkets within the prefecture.


You can't go wrong if you buy it here! Two famous manufacturers of "Sendai Naganasu Pickles"

Sendai Naganasu Pickles are still relatively unknown to people outside the prefecture, but if you go to the souvenir section, you will find them sold by several manufacturers. So, to avoid confusion even for those who are buying Sendai Naganasu Pickles for the first time, we will introduce two well-known manufacturers

Okada's Sendai long eggplant pickles

"Okada's Sendai Long Eggplant Pickles"are characterized by their use of carefully selected long eggplants of a traditional variety and the fact that they are made without artificial coloring, allowing you to enjoy the eggplant's natural, vibrant color.

Since 1959, they have been manufacturing and selling "Sendai Long Eggplant Pickles," andeggplants from Miyagi Prefecture,is a popular product that can be purchased for 594 yen.

Okada's Sendai Naganasu Pickles <Information>

  • Store name: Okada's Sendai Eggplant Pickles
  • Address: 1-4-9 Oroshimachi, Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
  • Phone number: 022-284-0131
  • URL:https://www.sendai-naganasu.com/

Google Map


Sendai Eggplant Yutakaya

"Sendai Naganasu no Yutakaya"is a long-established pickle shop founded in 1937, selling not only pickled long eggplants but also Nanban miso pickles, which are famous as a side dish to beef tongue set meals.

made with Sendai miso"and "karashi pickles" made with Japanese mustardmiso picklespopular items include

Sendai Eggplant Yutakaya <Information>

  • Store name: Sendai Naganasu no Yutakaya
  • Address: 20-20 Yatsurugi, Shimono, Shibata-machi, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
  • Phone number: 022-282-3646
  • URL:https://www.yutakaya-shop.com/

Google Map


Where can I buy "Sendai Naganasu Pickles"?

We have introduced the characteristics of Sendai Naganasu Pickles and famous manufacturers, but you can easily buy them without going to the factory. We will introduce three places that are easy for tourists to stop by

Souvenir corner from all over Miyagi Prefecture

The first option is to visit souvenir shops located throughout the prefecture. Inside Sendai Station,Tohoku Meguri Iro to Ironear the ShinkansenOmiyage-dokoro Sendai No. 4you can purchase souvenirs at

They can also be purchased at souvenir corners in large supermarkets in the prefecture, such as Aeon and Ito-Yokado

S-Pal Sendai store

There is a directly managed store for "Okada's Sendai Long Eggplant Pickles" at S-PAL Sendai. Itthe souvenir area, so it is recommended for a quick stop after sightseeing or when you are short on time.

Pickles section of a supermarket in the prefecture

Sendai Naganasu Pickles can also be purchased in the food section of supermarkets throughout the prefecture. Demand for them increases during the summer due to their refreshing taste, so we recommend stopping by if you're visiting Miyagi Prefecture around summer


Try "Sendai Naganasu Pickles"

This time, we've introduced the characteristics of "Sendai Naganasu Pickles," a Miyagi Prefecture specialty, as well as famous manufacturers and where you can buy them. This delicious pickle has a light taste and a crunchy texture that will have you hooked. It also makes a great souvenir or gift, so be sure to give it a try!


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