Sesame Furikake - Using Sesame Seeds From Miyazaki Prefecture

Sesame Furikake - Using Sesame Seeds From Miyazaki Prefecture

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Rare Domestic Sesame "Mimatan Goma" – Grown Without Chemical Fertilizers or Pesticides During Cultivation

"Mimatan Goma" is grown in a warm climate with well-drained soil. This sesame is produced in Mimata Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, located south of the Miyakonojo Basin, which spreads at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range in southern Kyushu, a region known for the legend of the descent of the sun deity. Mimata Town, often called "The Town of Flowers, Greenery, and Water," benefits from abundant natural water resources, a warm climate throughout the year, and well-drained volcanic ash soil, making it an ideal location for sesame cultivation.

The deliciousness of Mimata sesame comes from the rich natural ecosystem, where high-quality water and fertile soil remain intact.

During the Edo period, sesame from this region was exported to Kansai as a valuable cash crop. Now, the sesame of Mimata Town has been revived. We hope people all over Japan will learn about and enjoy this precious gift from nature.

Shimo Farm

Currently, 99.9% of the sesame consumed in Japan is said to be imported. Mimatan Goma is a rare domestic sesame grown without pesticides during the cultivation period and without chemical fertilizers, ensuring safety and peace of mind.

Eating delicious and safe food brings smiles to people’s faces. Encouraged by these smiles, we will continue to cultivate sesame using pesticide-free and chemical fertilizer-free methods so that even children can enjoy it with confidence.

Features of Domestic Sesame Furikake

Shimo Farm Domestic Sesame Furikake

Three types of Miyazaki-grown sesame (white, black, and gold), cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, are roasted and seasoned. The seasonings include additive-free soy sauce from Miyazaki, natural sea salt boiled down from Miyazaki seawater, and unrefined sugar made from 100% sugarcane from Kikaijima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. This versatile furikake is perfect not only as a topping for rice but also for salads, side dishes, and many other dishes.

The Birth Story of Mimatan Goma

In December 2008, a group of former office workers in Mimata Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, formed the "Kirishima Association," marking the beginning of domestic sesame production utilizing the natural environment of Mimata. Initially, the association had 22 members, with only two having prior agricultural experience. However, through dedication and effort, the number of sesame farmers has grown to 35, bringing even more energy to the initiative. (The cultivation area has expanded each year: 1.3 ha in 2009, 2.7 ha in 2010, and 17 ha in 2011.)

Sesame has the advantage of low production costs and relatively little damage from birds and animals.

The "Kirishima Association" is committed to utilizing abandoned farmland and strictly adheres to pesticide-free and chemical fertilizer-free cultivation methods. Thinning, planting, and harvesting are also carried out mainly by hand. The "young" farmers, with an average age of 65, are pioneering a new path in agriculture in Mimata Town, aiming to pass it down to future generations.

Developing Products Using Stems and Leaves

Sesame Flower

Since sesame seeds are highly nutritious, we believe that the stems and leaves that deliver nutrients to the seeds may also contain similar beneficial components. Currently, we are conducting component analysis research in collaboration with a local university, using young leaves and stems from the growing process.

Collaboration Between Agriculture, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism

Company

As a sesame-producing region, we engage in everything from cultivation and harvesting to the production of sesame-based processed goods and the development of sesame-based dishes. By working with public facilities, educational institutions, and local businesses, we aim to create an environment where people can see, taste, and enjoy sesame as part of their daily lives.

Aiming to Become Japan’s Top Sesame-Producing Region

Producers

In November 2010, after receiving official recognition from the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency as a regional resource of Miyazaki Prefecture, we began full-scale efforts to develop a "Sesame Town." To expand our reach beyond the prefecture, we need to create added value for our sesame. With this in mind, we are striving to make Mimata the top sesame-producing region in Japan.

Little-Known Facts About Sesame

Growing sesame also means learning about sesame. Here, we share knowledge gained through sesame cultivation.

The Many Varieties of Sesame

Sesame is generally classified into three main types based on seed coat color: white, black, and gold. However, when categorized in detail, there are said to be around 3,000 varieties cultivated worldwide.

Sesame Comparison

The Origin of Sesame

Sesame is a food that originally came to Japan from overseas. It is believed that its true place of origin is Africa. Some theories suggest that sesame was introduced to Japan either during the Jomon period or with the arrival of Buddhism. Over time, sesame became an integral part of Japanese food culture and was cultivated throughout the country, except in Hokkaido.

The Current State of Sesame Production

However, due to low productivity and a lack of mechanization, sesame production in Japan has steadily declined. Today, 99.9% of sesame consumed in Japan is imported from countries such as Nigeria and Burkina Faso in Africa, Paraguay and Bolivia in South America, and China. Only 0.1% is produced domestically. Despite this, Mimata Town in Miyazaki Prefecture meets the ideal conditions for growing high-quality sesame. Passionate and dedicated producers are committed to delivering safe, pesticide-free, and chemical fertilizer-free sesame, carefully cultivating and processing it by hand to ensure its quality.

Differences in Taste and Components of White, Black, and Golden Sesame

White Sesame Black Sesame Golden Sesame
White Sesame Black Sesame Golden Sesame
Characteristics Light beige in color, with a mild sweetness and a subtle roasted aroma. It contains a relatively high amount of fats, making it commonly used for sesame oil. Rich in aromatic compounds, giving it a strong fragrance. It has less fat but a higher proportion of seed coat, containing calcium and manganese. Often used in sesame salt, rice crackers, and other confectioneries. A rare variety due to its low production. It has a strong fragrance and contains antioxidant compounds.

Product Details

This product is manufactured in a factory in Japan, both in terms of raw materials and processing.

Product Details
Ingredients White sesame, black sesame, golden sesame (from Miyazaki Prefecture), soy sauce (contains soybeans and wheat), salt, raw sugar
Net Weight 30g
Storage Instructions Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Caution The desiccant inside the container is not edible.
Allergens Wheat, Buckwheat, Egg, Dairy, Peanuts, Shrimp, Crab, Almond, Abalone, Squid, Salmon Roe, Orange, Cashew Nuts, Kiwi Fruit, Beef, Walnut, Sesame, Salmon, Mackerel, Soybeans, Chicken, Banana, Pork, Matsutake Mushroom, Peach, Yam, Apple, Gelatin
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