Aomori’s pride — a brand pork raised on the power of garlic, celebrated for its irresistibly melt-in-the-mouth fat.
Towada Garlic Pork is a brand pork that Minoru Yoton Co., Ltd. in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture has devoted more than 40 years to carefully raising. Its defining feature is the designated feed incorporating powdered garlic from Aomori Prefecture — the nation’s leading garlic producer — given for 60 or more days. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of garlic make it possible to raise the pigs entirely without antibiotics for the two months before shipment, protecting pig health naturally and producing a richly flavored meat quality. Furthermore, ‘Ellen Water’ — alkaline water filtered through mineral stones — is given to draw out the pigs’ natural vitality. The results of this devoted rearing are clearly evident in the meat quality. While the fat melting point of standard pork exceeds 42°C, that of Towada Garlic Pork is a low 35°C — the fat begins to dissolve the moment it touches the mouth, delivering a soft, melting quality and an elegant natural sweetness. The Vitamin B1 content — beneficial for fatigue recovery — is approximately 2.5 times that of ordinary pork, making it nutritionally outstanding as well. Inosinic acid, a key umami component, is also abundant, and combined with the garlic-derived umami, a deep, satisfying flavor can be enjoyed even in simple preparations. The lean has a clean, refreshing bite, while the fat melts with a sweet, indulgent softness — a meat with a clear-cut contrast in character that has earned high praise from professional chefs, making it versatile in everything from sauté to hot pot. The sincere production stance actively pursuing local circular agri-livestock farming and food traceability is also a major source of trust in this brand pork.
Basic Information
- Name
Towada Garlic Pork - Production Area
Towada City, Aomori - Management Body
Minoru Yoton Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Female (Large White Female × Landrace Male) × Male Duroc - Meat Characteristics
Fat melting point of just 35°C — velvety melt on the palate. Vitamin B1 approx. 2.5× that of standard pork; inosinic acid (umami) abundant. Clean, refreshing lean. - Feed Characteristics
Designated compound feed with Aomori-grown garlic powder for at least 60 days. ‘Ellen Water’ (mineral-stone-filtered alkaline water) provided. No antibiotics for the final two months before shipment. - Shipping Age
175 days - Annual Production
Approx. 16,000 head/year - Signature Dish
Garlic pork sauté / Pork and kimchi hot pot - Certifications
Trademark registered (July 11, 2014)
Farm HACCP in progress
JGAP certified
Circular agriculture and traceability initiatives - Related URLs
Minoru Yoton Co., Ltd. Official Site
JA Towada Oirase Online Shop (Garlic Pork)
Cuisine Kingdom – Towada Garlic Pork - Source
Brand Pork Guidebook 2026 p.30
Minoru Yoton Co., Ltd. Official Site
JA Towada Oirase Online Shop
Cuisine Kingdom
Last updated
June 19, 2026