HIGO OIL Co., Ltd.

Edible vegetable oil manufacturer HIGO OIL Co., Ltd is based in the foothills of Mount Aso, close to the center of Kumamoto Prefecture. Since its establishment in 1909, the company has prioritized quality over quantity, producing oil that helps keep its customers healthy.

For example, to make its rapeseed oil HIGO OIL uses traditional production techniques. It slowly and carefully roasts the rapeseed at low heat, then extracts the oil only by pressing. When purifying the oil, the company uses no chemical solvents, and the oil is finished with only the addition of vinegar and hot water. This rapeseed oil retains vitamin E, polyphenols, and other nutrients from the rapeseed, and is both mellow and fragrant. In 2021, HIGO OIL achieved Organic JAS certification for its rapeseed oil—an accreditation that is extremely difficult for oils to obtain.

The photographs show some of HIGO OIL’s products, which are carefully made mainly using ingredients sourced from Japan.

There are three products in the PLUS OIL range: PLUS OIL TOMATO, PLUS OIL CARROT, and PLUS OIL SPINACH, which are made using precious Japanese rapeseed grown to meet JAS Standards. These healthy oils consist of first-press rapeseed oil mixed with colorings (beta-carotene) and nutrients extracted from their component vegetables.

Domestic Rapeseed oil BENZO is made using only Japan-grown rapeseed that has been roasted at low heat. Purified over a period of three days and nights, every drop of this jewel-like and painstakingly produced oil is filled with the richness and umami of its ingredients. It recreates the traditional rich flavor beloved of Takaki Benzo, founder of HIGO OIL.

Organic Domestic Perilla oil is Organic JAS certified and is made using only organic perilla grown in Kumamoto that has been cold-pressed. It contains approximately 62% alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that cannot be produced by the human body. This organic perilla oil is kind both to the environment and to the human body.

Dashi Rapeseed oil is made with rapeseed oil and with sardine flakes from Kumamoto. It is packed with DHA and EPA from the sardines. Using Dashi Rapeseed oil in fried dishes or other everyday cooking adds a subtle hint of sardine and a touch of sophistication. The sediment at the bottom of the bottle consists of sardine flakes and is safe to eat.

HIGO OIL is approximately 20 kilometers east of Kumamoto Station and approximately eight kilometers north of Kumamoto Airport. Products can be bought in person directly from the factory. HIGO OIL products are also available for wholesale overseas. Please contact the company for details.

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