Cassis Day (Kashisu no Hi)

What Is Cassis Day?

July 23 is "Cassis Day" each year. It was established in 2006 (Heisei 18) by the Japan Cassis Association to raise interest in cassis (blackcurrant) as a fruit that contributes to people's health. Because cassis is harvested around "Taisho" (Major Heat), one of the 24 seasonal divisions of the traditional calendar, the day was set on July 23, which often falls on Taisho (Taisho usually falls around July 22 or 23).

A Fruit Beloved in Europe

In Japanese, cassis is also called "kurofusa suguri" (black-clustered currant); in English it is known as blackcurrant.

• A fruit of cool climates: Cassis tolerates cold well and has been grown in cool regions such as northern Europe. The area around Dijon in Burgundy, France, is known for producing the liqueur crème de cassis.
• Cultivation in Aomori: In 1965, at the request of a Hirosaki University professor, a Diet member from Aomori brought seedlings back from a visit to Germany. In 1975 some of the plants were shared with Aomori City, where cultivation then began. Aomori Prefecture is still Japan's largest producer.

The Taste and Color of Cassis

Cassis is more often enjoyed processed than eaten fresh.

• Tart and aromatic: Fresh cassis is very sour with a distinctive aroma, so it is mostly made into jam, juice, liqueur and sweets.
• Deep purple: Its near-black purple color comes from anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol. The Japan Cassis Association focuses on the polyphenols characteristic of cassis and works to spread the fruit's appeal.

Fun Facts About Cassis

• The "Kir" cocktail: The cocktail of white wine and crème de cassis is said to be named after Félix Kir, a mayor of Dijon who popularized it.
• "Aomori Cassis": Cassis grown in and around Aomori City, known as "Aomori Cassis," became the very first product registered (No. 1) under Japan's Geographical Indication (GI) protection system in 2015.
• No selective breeding: Aomori Cassis is said to be grown from descendants of the original imported plants, without any selective breeding.
• Cassis orange: A staple at Japanese izakaya, "cassis orange" is cassis liqueur mixed with orange juice.

Tips for Enjoying Cassis Day

• Try cassis juice, jam or sweets.
• Cool down in the hottest season with a chilled cassis soda.
• Look for products made with Japanese cassis, such as Aomori Cassis.
• Pour cassis sauce over yogurt or ice cream.

A Deep Purple Fruit of High Summer

July 23 is a day to enjoy cassis, harvested in the hottest part of the year. Its sweet-tart flavor and deep purple color are refreshing when the heat wears you down. Why not take a break today with a cassis drink or treat?