Aomori Cassis

Aomori Cassis is a geographical indication assigned to a specific variety of blackcurrant (cassis) cultivated in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. This product is registered under Japan’s Geographical Indication (GI) protection system in the “Fruit” category with registration number 1, and its protection date is 22 December 2015. Aomori Cassis, based on a variety introduced from Germany in 1965, is characterized by its morphological traits, distinctive sensory profile, and high nutritional value.

Aomori Cassis is a variety introduced to Japan in 1965, predating the period of intensive blackcurrant breeding efforts in overseas countries. In subsequent years, particularly in Europe, blackcurrant breeding focused on developing varieties with lower acidity suitable for fresh consumption, uniform ripening periods compatible with mechanical harvesting, and larger fruit variants.

Since Aomori Cassis was introduced before these modern breeding trends, it is considered closer in appearance and flavor to the “original” blackcurrant. The key morphological features of this variety are small fruit size and a thick skin structure.

In terms of sensory profile, Aomori Cassis has a complex flavor combining sweetness, acidity, and slight bitterness. This pronounced acidity and unique aroma profile make it more suitable for processing than for fresh consumption.

Blackcurrants are generally rich in anthocyanins, which are polyphenols with high antioxidant content. Aomori Cassis is known to contain these compounds at particularly high concentrations. It is believed that the characteristic thick skin and small fruit size of Aomori Cassis are responsible for the high concentration of intense purple anthocyanin pigments found in the fruit pericarp.

The refreshing acidity and distinctive aroma of the fruit make it an ideal raw material for industrial processing. It is especially suitable for use with added sweeteners (in jams, confectionery, etc.) or in combination with dairy products (ice cream, yogurt, etc.).

The production area covered by the geographical indication for Aomori Cassis is designated as Aomori Prefecture. More specifically, production is limited to the Tosei region, which includes the town of Hiranai in Higashitsugaru District, the town of Imabetsu, the village of Yomogita, and the town of Sotogahama, all within Aomori City.

The presence of Aomori Cassis in the region dates back to 1965. Professor Takeo Mochizuki from Hirosaki University met German researcher Mr. Kemler during a foreign trip. Kemler offered Professor Mochizuki cuttings of a blackcurrant variety he believed would thrive in Aomori’s climate.

Professor Mochizuki began cultivating these cuttings at his home in Aomori City. Initially, this activity remained a personal endeavor. However, Mochizuki recognized that the plant was not only nutritious and flavorful but also ideally suited to Aomori City’s climate. He subsequently donated some of the plants to the Aomori City Agricultural Guidance Center.

In 1977, seedlings grown at the center were distributed to local agricultural cooperatives in the city. As a result, blackcurrant cultivation began to take root in Aomori City. Initially, cultivation remained limited in scale. The establishment in 1985 of the "Aomori Cassis Association" (Aomori Cassis Association) served as a catalyst for subsequent developments. Thanks to the association’s activities, Aomori gained recognition as Japan’s first blackcurrant production area and began attracting national attention.

Aomori Cassis was registered as Japan’s No. 1 Geographical Indication in 2015. The applicant was the Aomori Cassis Association, located at 2-4-6 Sakaemachi, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. This registration provides legal protection for the product’s origin, quality, and strong connection to the Aomori region.