Eggplant

なす

Kochi Prefecture leads national production, primarily through greenhouse cultivation, followed by Kumamoto and Gunma. Versatile in the kitchen — used in pickles, grilled dishes, stews, and stir-fries. Nutritional value is concentrated in the skin, which contains anthocyanins

Taste & Texture

Mild and neutral flavor. The spongy flesh absorbs oil and broth well, becoming silky and tender when stir-fried or fried

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jun - Aug

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose eggplants with deep purple, glossy, taut skin.

  • The calyx spines should be sharp and the fruit feel heavy for its size — signs of freshness.

How to Store

  • Eggplant dislikes cold and dryness.

  • Wrap in newspaper, place in a plastic bag, and store in the refrigerator vegetable compartment.

  • Use as soon as possible.

Shelf life 3-4 days refrigerated

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Aug ¥332/kg
BUSIEST Jun 14,451t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

Source: MAFF Wholesale Market Survey for Fresh Produce (2023)

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest May ¥657/1kg
Most Expensive Jan ¥842/1kg

Annual Average

¥753/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

100% Domestic
Kochi14.5%
Kumamoto13.1%
Gunma9.9%
Fukuoka6.3%
Ibaraki6.0%
Others50.2%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
40,300
14.5%
2
36,300
13.1%
3
27,500
9.9%
4
17,500
6.3%
5
16,600
6.0%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Kochi
Kumamoto
Gunma
Fukuoka
Ibaraki

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥2,142 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Kyoto Kyoto
¥2,988
2
Yamagata Yamagata
¥2,916
3
Toyama Toyama
¥2,902
4
Niigata Niigata
¥2,821
5
Yokohama Kanagawa
¥2,779

Source: Statistics Bureau Family Income and Expenditure Survey (2024, two-or-more-person households, prefectural capital cities)