Gelato Natur and its secondary store, Gelato Natura Due (located inside A-Factory), are a paradise for gelato enthusiasts. Their specialty lies in seasonal gelato, showcasing the diverse apple varieties grown in Aomori alongside regional ingredients such as chestnut, dake corn, sweet potato, local milk, and sake.
Beyond the display cabinet’s ready-to-scoop selection, a broader range of flavours is available in their freezer cabinet, purchasable at all locations, including the A-Factory outlet in Hirosaki.
Toki Apple Sorbet (¥450, Sweetness: 4/5; Sourness: 1/5, 120 mL)
Made from Toki apples, a cross between Fuji and Ōrin, this sorbet captured the variety’s natural sweetness with minimal acidity. The aromatic notes of the Ōrin apple were well preserved, and the texture resembled freshly pureed apple, seamlessly transformed into gelato.
Akane Apple Sorbet (¥450, Sweetness: 1/5; Sourness: 4/5, 120 mL)
Made from Akane apples sourced from Machida in Ajigasawa Town, this sorbet delivered an assertive tartness balanced by the sweetness of the sorbet base. The result was a lively sweet-tart interplay, reminiscent of fresh pureed apples, with a striking pink hue from the bright red apple skin.
Hoshi no Kinka Apple Gelato (¥450, Sweetness: 4/5; Sourness: 3/5, 120 mL)
A rare apple variety even within Aomori Prefecture, Hoshi no Kinka is known for its sweetness and fragrance. This gelato had a refreshing balance of sweet and tart notes, akin to a Shinano Gold apple, with a smooth texture and no discernible apple skin—mirroring the experience of eating the fresh fruit.
A trio of distinct flavours (¥450):
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Fuji Apple Sorbet (Bottom Left, Sweetness: 4/5; Sourness: 2/5)
Fuji apples, considered among the finest for their balance of texture and sweetness, were sourced from Machida in Ajigasawa Town. This sorbet had the most vibrant, juicy apple flavour of all the apple varieties, with a touch of acidity and flecks of red skin throughout the pale yellow gelato. -
Kōgyoku Milk Gelato (Top, Sweetness: 2/5; Sourness: 5/5)
Made from red Kōgyoku apples from Hirakawa City, this milk-based gelato featured cooked apples to mellow their natural acidity. However, the apple flavour was subtle, with the dairy base almost competing for dominance. Despite the visible bits of apple skin, the fruitiness remained restrained. -
Dakekimi Corn Gelato (Bottom Right)
Made with Aomori’s prized sweet corn, Dakekimi, this milk-based gelato incorporated boiled corn kernels. The flavour was instantly reminiscent of corn potage—rich and sweet, yet with a savoury undertone. The corn kernels added a delightful chewy, juicy texture, making this an instant favourite.
Western Pear Sorbet (¥350, 120 mL)
A limited-edition autumn and winter flavour, this sorbet was made from General Leclerc pears grown in southern Aomori Prefecture. Despite being a sorbet, it had a creamy mouthfeel that echoed the buttery quality of fresh pears. The flavour was balanced between sweet and tart, with a pure, floral aroma and no graininess—akin to eating a perfectly ripened pear.
Another trio of distinct flavours (¥450):
- Walnut Gelato (bottom left) Made with walnuts from Aomori Prefecture, caramelised in a bittersweet glaze before being mixed into Aomori milk gelato. The result was a rich, nutty gelato with deep caramel undertones.
- Chestnut Gelato (bottom right) Crafted with chestnuts from Hayashi Farm in Aomori City, this gelato had an earthy, creamy sweetness reminiscent of Mont Blanc. The chestnut purée imparted a slightly grainy texture, with a faint amazake-like fermented note adding depth.
- Black Sesame Gelato (top) This was a classic flavour, delivering an intense nuttiness with a lingering sesame aftertaste.
Gelato Natur is a rare gem in Aomori, expertly blending local and regional produce into sorbets and gelati that truly honour their ingredients. Their mastery of texture and flavour ensures that each scoop tastes like fresh fruit, nuts, or dairy at its peak. It is a must-visit for gelato lovers.
Gelato Natur is located in A-Factory, 1 Chome-4-2 Yanakawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, 038-0012, Japan.