Assessing myoga viability as a case study to promote Asian specialty crops

View the project final report

Commodities

• Additional Plants: other

Practices

• Crop Production: cropping systems
• Farm Business Management: market study
• Sustainable Communities: local and regional food systems

Sonoma County is a vibrant agricultural region with extensive diversity of microclimates and topography, lending itself to a great array of agricultural growing. Local food continues to be in high demand, but despite a burgeoning, mixed local food scene, there is lack of local access to heritage crops of the Asian diaspora. Myoga, a perennial herb also known as "Japanese Ginger," is a nutritious crop consumed. A member of the ginger family, it is often grown in cold valleys and slopes of Japan and also found in Korea and China with ability to be grown down to USDA growing zone 6 with year-round in-ground growing in greenhouses, but often allowed to go dormant in winter with some rhizome protection. It prefers semi-shade as myoga is often naturally found growing under trees in East Asia - leaves may scorch in sun. It is unlike common ginger in that it is grown for its rosey flower buds, considered a culinary delicacy, spiritual symbol, and highly nutritious. Buds have a distinctive flavor, crunchy texture, and diverse applicability in culinary dishes.

It has gained some recognition in the west, especially in the culinary landscape, but there is lacking research. Anecdotal conversations with local Japanese elders and a handful of chefs prompted the interest to explore growing Myoga locally. This research investigated the following questions 1) What are the ideal growing conditions of Myoga that make it a viable crop? 2) What is the demand of market outlets to assess Myoga's economic viability as a specialty crop? and 3) Does the current local Asian specialty crop (ASC) production lend itself to Myoga becoming in demand that would also increase interest in more diverse crops of the Asian diaspora?

The research was carried out by comparing different growing conditions between in-ground and raised boxes inside a hoophouse. Observations and tracking was captured via quantitative field notes with careful climate tracking, plant health metrics, as well as labor hours, and cost of production. Secondly, we conducted surveys on market interest to assess demand and sales outlet opportunities. Lastly, we conducted surveys of local farmers experience in bringing Asian specialty crops to market and analyze their hurdles and strategies to overcome market challenges. 

The research outcomes demonstrated myoga is a viable, economically beneficial crop when marketed and distributed to specialty buyers with either previous knowledge of the crop or familiarity in working with other Asian Specialty crops. It's value per square foot combined with it's low labor growing needs makes it of interest to other growers in general, but selling of myoga will need to continue via specialty channels. The research, events, and promotion of myoga in the 2025 served to build up a greater interest base, thus creating a more strategic marketing and distribution plan for the 2026 season.

1. Compare in-ground vs. boxed production of Myoga to assess effects on crop production and associated costs.
2. Assess several market outlets for selling myoga and ascertain the crops economic viability in a small-farm diversified vegetable operation.
3. Survey the current farmer experience in marketing and selling Asian crop options in order to assess any hurdles  as well as strategies they used to overcome market challenges.