Shimonita Negi Day

What Is Shimonita Negi Day?

December 1st is "Shimonita Negi Day" in Japan, marking the day shipments begin for Shimonita negi, the specialty green onion grown in Shimonita, Gunma Prefecture. It was established by Shimonita Farm.

Thick and Sweet: Gunma's Pride, a Branded Green Onion

Shimonita negi is a specialty vegetable from Gunma Prefecture, distinctively thicker and shorter than ordinary green onions, developing an intense sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked.

• Origin: December 1st, the day shipments of Shimonita negi begin, was chosen as the holiday
• Purpose: to help more people discover the appeal and deliciousness of Shimonita negi
• A history of cultivation: in the Edo period, it was known as "lord's green onion" and reportedly prized as a gift offered to feudal lords

The True Value of Shimonita Negi, Unlocked Through Cooking

While quite pungent when eaten raw, Shimonita negi develops a remarkable sweetness and melting texture when slow-cooked in a hot pot or sukiyaki.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Enjoy a hot pot or sukiyaki dish featuring Shimonita negi
• Look into Shimonita, the town where the negi is grown
• Compare it with other branded green onions
• Look up and try a recipe using Shimonita negi

A Winter Gift That Grows Sweeter With the Cold

Reaching peak season in the depths of winter, Shimonita negi is a rich, flavorful vegetable perfectly suited to the season. December 1st is a day to savor its special sweetness once again.