Sweet Corn

スイートコーン

Hokkaido accounts for about 45% of national production, making sweet corn one of Hokkaido's signature summer crops. Chiba and Ibaraki are the main Kanto producers. Enjoyed boiled, grilled, in soups, and in tempura fritters

Taste & Texture

Juicy, crisp, and intensely sweet. Sugar content is highest right after harvest and diminishes rapidly over time

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jul - Aug

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose ears with vibrant green husks and moist, brownish silk.

  • Kernels should be evenly packed and spring back when pressed.

How to Store

  • Sweetness declines quickly after harvest; boiling or steaming immediately after purchase is ideal.

  • For storage, wrap unshucked in plastic wrap and refrigerate, or freeze after blanching.

Shelf life 2-3 days refrigerated (raw); 1 month frozen (blanched)

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Jul ¥229/kg
BUSIEST Jul 12,410t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Production Ranking

99.9% Domestic
Hokkaido42.7%
Chiba9.7%
Ibaraki8.8%
Gunma7.2%
Yamanashi4.5%
Others27.1%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
78,100
42.7%
2
17,800
9.7%
3
16,100
8.8%
4
13,100
7.2%
5
8,270
4.5%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Hokkaido
Chiba
Ibaraki
Gunma
Yamanashi