Traditional vegetables from Kitayama Itogaya area, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture

Itokaya pumpkin” is characterized by its light blue skin and heavy weight. It has twice the iron content of regular pumpkin, and is also rich in potassium and magnesium. It is grown in a highland climate at an altitude of over 1,000m, and is known for its natural sweetness and fluffy texture.

The Itogaya area is where Takeda Shingen mined iron, and the soil there is rich in iron. It has been cultivated since before the Meiji period, and was used as an important source of nutrients in years when the rice harvest was bad.

In cooperation with the Nagano Prefecture Suwa Promotion Bureau Agricultural Policy Division and local support organizations, it was certified as a “Shinshu Traditional Vegetable” in February 2015.

Itogaya pumpkin can be used in a variety of dishes. Because it is a dish with a distinct sweetness, it can be enjoyed in soups, stews, grilled dishes, salads, and snacks.

Tateshina BASE Shibta