Garlic Pork – Towada’s Proud Local Brand
Towada City in Aomori Prefecture boasts the largest garlic cultivation area in Japan.
“Oirase Garlic Pork” and “Towada Garlic Pork” (hereafter collectively referred to as “Garlic Pork”) are raised using feed generously mixed with this local garlic, and given alkaline mineral water called “Eren Water” that has passed through natural ore.
These two pork brands are identical in quality, with the name differing based on the producer’s branding: “Oirase” or “Towada.”
Thanks to the antioxidant properties of garlic, the use of antibiotics is kept to a minimum. In fact, no antibiotics are used at all in the two months prior to shipment.
This results in pork that has little of the typical “porky” odor, and is known for its rich umami and deep flavor.
Melting Fat and Rich Flavor
What truly sets Garlic Pork apart is the quality of its fat.
While the melting point of regular pork fat is over 42°C, Garlic Pork fat melts at just 35°C.
This means it literally melts in your mouth, releasing a refined sweetness and luxurious texture.
This superior fat quality has earned high praise from professional chefs, particularly for the belly cut, which is one of the most sought-after parts.
Garlic Pork also contains more inosinic acid, the umami compound found in ingredients like bonito flakes, compared to ordinary pork.
Another notable trait is how cleanly it slices. The fat does not stick to the knife, allowing for smooth cutting.
Some butchers even report using the same knife for up to three years without sharpening!
For cooking, simple sautéing is highly recommended.
Even without elaborate seasoning, the pork’s natural sweetness and umami shine through—letting you savor the exceptional quality that defines Garlic Pork.
Rising Popularity Through Word of Mouth
Garlic Pork’s recognition skyrocketed after a presentation at a 2015 culinary event hosted by the gourmet magazine Cuisine Kingdom in Tokyo.
Around 200 chefs from French and Italian restaurants in the capital attended, including several top-tier culinary figures.
The presentation captivated the audience, and the flavor of Garlic Pork quickly became a talking point.
Since then, word-of-mouth promotion has spread its popularity, especially within the food and hospitality industries.
Today, it stands as one of Towada’s signature ingredients, highly regarded both within and beyond Aomori Prefecture.
