Hokuto's "Shimofuri Hiratake" Becomes First Functional Ingredient Food in Company's Product Lineup

Hokuto Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, President and CEO: Masayoshi Mizuno) will sell its product "Shimofuri Hiratake" nationwide as a functional ingredient food, having filed with the Consumer Affairs Agency (Notification Number: K346).

This product is the first functional ingredient food among our company's fresh mushrooms.

To date, we have focused on our mushroom business, striving to provide deliciousness and health value through the research and development, production, and sale of "mushrooms" as healthy ingredients. This initiative further evolves these business activities, delivering "health through mushrooms" in a more understandable way.

Functionality

"Shimofuri Hiratake" contains ergothioneine as a functional ingredient. It is reported that taking 25mg of ergothioneine per day helps maintain skin moisture for those whose skin tends to be dry.

Since 2018, our company has continued basic research focusing on ergothioneine contained in mushrooms and has verified its health effects through clinical trials. As a result of clinical trials targeting individuals whose skin tends to be dry, we clarified that taking ergothioneine maintains skin moisture levels. Shimofuri Hiratake is a variety that contains a particularly high amount of ergothioneine among the mushrooms we handle. (M Hanayama, et al. Front. Med., 2024, 11: 1396783)

Product Features

Hiratake mushrooms have long been popular for their good taste, but their production volume has been on the decline due to challenges with low yield and short shelf life. Against this backdrop, our company, with the desire to "repopularize delicious hiratake mushrooms," has conducted extensive research and succeeded in developing a new variety, "Shimofuri Hiratake," that overcomes these challenges. This product is a unique Hokuto variety that combines the characteristics of both eryngii and hiratake mushrooms, a "miracle variety" born from years of research and development. It features a crisp texture, juicy umami, and convenience for easy cooking, making it a star ingredient on the dining table.

Overview of Functional Ingredient Food

Notification Number: K346

Functional Ingredient: Ergothioneine

Notification Statement: This product contains ergothioneine. Taking 25mg of ergothioneine per day is reported to help maintain skin moisture for those whose skin tends to be dry.

*This product has been notified to the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency as a product that displays that it has specific health benefits, based on the responsibility of the business operator. However, unlike Foods for Specified Health Uses, it has not undergone individual review by the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency. A balanced diet based on staple foods, main dishes, and side dishes is recommended.

Inquiries about the Product

Hokuto Customer Service Center 0120-80-4910

Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM), excluding New Year's holidays, Obon holidays, and public holidays.