Discover the Charm of Matsusaka Akana, a Traditional Vegetable of Mie Prefecture.Introducing the best season and recommended ways to eat it

Exploring the Culinary Delights of Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture!

Matsusaka City, located in central Mie Prefecture, is brimming with charm, from its abundant natural beauty to its historic streets. It's also renowned for its numerous specialties, including Matsusaka beef, Matsusaka pork, and Matsusaka tea. In this series, we're highlighting the culinary treasures of Matsusaka City. This article focuses on "Matsusaka Akana," a traditional Mie vegetable, exploring its unique characteristics and appeal.

The History of Matsusaka Akana: Once Nearly Lost

Native to Matsusaka, the roots of Matsusaka Akana trace back some 400 years, when it was brought over by samurai warlord Gamo Ujisato from Omi Province (today’s Shiga Prefecture). But despite its popularity, Akana nearly vanished due to urbanization and fewer growers. Fortunately, passionate local farmers and city officials teamed up to save this unique local vegetervle.

Using seeds preserved at a Mie Prefecture facility, the JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) and local female farmers spearheaded the cultivation efforts, successfully reviving Matsusaka Akana around 2001. In 2007, it was officially registered as a "Traditional Vegetable of Mie."

Flavor and Features of Matsusaka Akana

Matsusaka Akana is a vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is a member of the turnip family, but has a long, thin shape similar to a radish. As its name suggests, its roots and stems are characterized by their vivid red color. Its main harvest season is from autumn to winter.

It has a light taste, crunchy texture and a spicy kick.

How to eat Matsusaka Akana

Where to Buy Matsusaka Akana in Matsusaka City

Bellfarm Farmer's Market

Located within a park in Iseji-cho, Matsusaka City, Bellfarm Farmer's Market embraces the concept of "eating vegetables from within a san-ri, shi-hō radius" (approximately 7.5 miles). It primarily sells seasonal vegetables and fruits carefully cultivated by local Matsusaka farmers. The park also features a cafe and gelato shop offering delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Bell Farm Farmers Market

Bell Farm Farmers Market, 551-3 Isederamachi, Matsusaka City, Mie Pref...

Bell Farm Farmers Market is located in a park in Iseji-cho, Matsusaka City. Based on the food proverb "eat vegetables from all around," the market sells mainly seasonal vegetables and fruits that have been lovingly grown by farmers in Matsusaka City.

Matsusaka Souvenir Hall

Found inside JR Matsusaka Station, this souvenir shop offers local treats like Matsusaka Beef for purchase or shipment, Matsusaka Momen textiles, and charming merchandise featuring “Chachamo,” Matsusaka’s mascot character. It’s a perfect shop for unique gifts.

Matsusaka Product Center

515-0017 301 Kyomachi, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture

A shop that carries a wide range of Matsusaka specialties and souvenirs.

Gon-zu

In Ureshino Gongenmae Town, Gon-zu is a popular shop for fresh local produce. They carry everything from original varieties like Gongen Rice and Ureshino Daikon to seasonal veggies grown by nearby farms, including Matsusaka Akana. The store also has ready-to-eat options like rice balls made fresh to order, using ingredients sourced from local farms.

Gonzu

515-2323 390-6 Ureshino Gongenmaecho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture

We sell local foods such as our own original agricultural products such as Gongen rice, Ureshino soybeans, Ureshino edamame, and Ureshino radishes, as well as fresh vegetables delivered by local farmers, and processed foods from Mie Prefecture. We also sell rice balls and side dishes that use plenty of local agricultural products, cooked in the store. We have created a store that makes it easy for customers to incorporate local ingredients into their daily meals, both as ingredients and as cooked foods, depending on their lifestyle, whether they choose to cook or not. In addition to food, we also sell flowers and crafts, which are delivered directly from producers.

Try Matsusaka Akana for Yourself!

Matsusaka Akana, a registered traditional vegetable of Mie Prefecture, captivates with its vibrant crimson color and crisp texture. Pickled Akana is especially delightful, offering a refreshingly salty flavor that complements meat dishes perfectly. If you're in Matsusaka, be sure to try this unique local delicacy!

[For more information about Matsusaka City, click here]