Vegan

What is Tororo Kombu (shredded kombu)?

Contents: Tororo Kombu is one of many processed kombu product Tororo Kombu Recipe Tororo Kombu is one of many processed kombu product There are many types of kombu (=kelp). Despite the fact that kombu is known to be rich in nutrients, many of us use it only for stock because we do not know exactly how else to use it in cooking. Tororo-kombu, also known as shredded kombu, is one of many processed kombu products. It is made from giant kelp and/or Larninaria ochotensis known as “Rishiri-kombu.” Thinly sliced pieces of the kombu are pressed by laminating and cut against the grain into thin strips. In the Hokuriku region, in particular, many varieties of tororo-kombu are available with different ingredients […]

What is Satsuma-imo (Sweet Potato)?

The sweet potato (satsuma-imo) is native to Mexico and the surrounding tropical American region. Diploid Ipomoea trifida, which belongs to the family Convolvulaceae, has been identified as a wild ancestor of the sweet potato. Today’s sweet potatoes are believed to have been developed through artificial selection as a result of mutation and cross breeding with wild species. Whether artificial or spontaneous, a great number of sweet potato species have been created throughout the long history of its cultivation. Different regions grow varieties befitting their geographical needs. In fact, sweet potatoes are grown in most of the tropical, subtropical and temperate zones around the glove today. For that reason the sweet potato comprises an astonishing array of varieties, with new types […]

What is Goya (bitter melon)?

Among summer vegetables, this bumpy, warty-skinned vegetable is a relative newcomer. In the past few years, however, goya’s health-enhancing properties have drawn attention throughout Japan. Because goya can be grown in home gardens during he peak summer season, it has become a popular vegetable. In fact, goya is now so popular that its seeds sell out quickly at garden centers. Contents: Goya (Bitter Melon), a Summer Vegetable A Shade-Producing Plant that Can Block Sunlight Nijiya Farm’s Organic Goya Nutrients of Goya Basic Cooking Preparation for Goya How to cook Goya? (Goya Recipes) Goya (Bitter Melon), a Summer Vegetable In Okinawa, known for the longevity of its population, goya has been a regular part of the diet for a long time. […]

What is Inari Sushi?

Inari sushi is not widely known in the United States yet, but it is great for vegetarians who want to try sushi. Basically, it’s a great hearty meal made from rice stuffed in an aburaage (fried tofu) pouch cooked in a sweet shoyu (soy sauce) sauce. This is an easy sushi that you can make at home for dinner or even prepare for a potluck party! Contents: About Inari Sushi Kinds of Inari Sushi How to cook Inari Sushi? (Inari Sushi Recipe) Easy Pre-made Abura-age (Fried Bean Curd) for Inari Sushi About Inari Sushi Unlike other types of sushi that use fish, seaweed or other ingredients, inari sushi is quite simple in the sense that it only consists of two […]

What is Kombu?

Kombu is a kind of kelp, and it has been a distinctive part of the Japanese diet ever since the Jomon period (12,000 B.C. – 300 B.C.). Contents: Kombu – The Secret to Japanese Cuisine The key to picking-out kombu Making the Ultimate Dashi from Kombu Tips on how to extract dashi from kombu Kombu Preservation Methods Various ways to utilize Kombu after the Dashi has been extracted How to use Kombu for cooking? Kombu – The Secret to Japanese Cuisine Dashi is a category of soup and cooking stocks considered to be fundamental and essential to Japanese cuisine. It is said that without dashi, Japanese dishes lack the authentic flavor. The underlying secret to creating the traditional flavors of […]