Nanakusa gayu, a rice porridge made from seven herbs that blossom in early spring, is traditionally eaten on January 7th in Japan.

It brings your stomach much needed rest and recovery after the over indulgences of the holidays and also provides some brightness to the cold, darkness of winter. Some even say it will bring longevity and health in the New Year and ward off evil!

The seven herbs can be difficult to find outside of Japan and include: Seri (せり) / Water Dropwort, Nazuna (なずな・ぺんぺん草) / Shepherd’s Purse, Gogyo (ごぎょう) / Cudweed, Hakobera (はこべら) / Chickweed, Hotokenoza (ほとけのざ) / Nipplewort, Suzuna (すずな・かぶ) / Turnip, Suzushiro (すずしろ・大根) / Daikon Radish.

Our Nanakusa Gayu is made with simple ingredients with no added preservatives: rice, the seven herbs and a pinch of salt for flavor. Give your stomach some much needed rest!

Learn more on our Blog Post.

Nutritional information: N/A

(MISOGEN)

Don't worry! This is not a mix of clams and espresso. It's actually a refreshing, energizing miso soup that is often used in Japan as a hangover cure (especially following too many holiday celebrations!)

This miso soup is made with freshwater shijimi clams in a blend of Shinshu red and white miso combined with hatcho miso that has been aged in wooden barrels.

It has a clean, deep flavor and the added antioxidant benefits of Vitamin E. Hopefully it will cure your holiday blues!

Nutritional information:  N/A

(PUFFPUFF)

A truly unique product!

This gourmet virgin oil was provided especially for Kokoro Care Packages this month for you to enjoy.

It's Italy meets Okinawa in a one-of-a-kind olive oil seasoned with bacon from Ishigakijima, salt, island pepper, herbs, Okinawan black sugar (kokuto 沖縄黒糖) and more.

It's made in small batches in a cafe that overlooks the sea of ​​Ishigaki island. Many of the ingredients are made in the island. You'll feel as if you're sitting on the coast of Okinawa every time you taste it.

You can spread it on bread or pizza, as a pasta sauce, as a salad dressing or a top of vegetables, tofu or fish. Let your creativity inspire you! 

Learn more about the quaint seaside cafe in our Producer Spotlight.

Suggested use: Spread it on bread or pizza. Use it as a pasta sauce or salad dressing. Drizzle it on top of vegetables, tofu or fish.

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Bacon (made on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa), Shio Kouji, Peanuts, Fried Onion, Garlic, Black Olive, Vegetable Bouillon, Black Sugar (made in Okinawa), Salt (made in Ishigaki), Island Chili Pepper (made in Ishigaki), Turmeric, Black Pepper

Nutritional information: N/A

Wet Rice Cracker

塗れ煎餅

(CHOSHI DENKI TETSUDO)

You may have tried rice crackers before, but have you ever tried wet rice crackers?

These rice crackers are soaked in a sweet soy sauce giving them a fragrant, sweet and salty flavor and a soft, decadent texture.

You can bite into them or tear them apart and dip them in tea, A perfect snack for any occasion!

Suggested use: Enjoy as is. You can also microwave it or bake it.

Ingredients: Rice (made in japan), Soy Sauce (includes soy and wheat), Sugar, Glucose, Salt, Katsuobushi (bonito) Extracts, Amino Acids

Nutritional information: Serving size: 1 cracker, Calories: 81kcal, Total Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 0.86g, Total Carbohydrate: 18.3g, Protein: 1.6g

Brown Rice Coffee

玄米珈琲

(DENDEN MUSHI)

A coffee tasting substitute with out the caffeine-crash!

This caffeine-free, brown rice "coffee" is made from 100% organic, brown rice that has been deeply roasted to create a rich, unique coffee flavor with a soothing, fresh aroma.

Brown rice coffee has been traditionally used in Japan as a nutritious and natural way to cleanse the body and won't cause any jitters or post-caffeine crash.

Suggested use: Add hot water, wait for a few minutes and enjoy.

Ingredients: Sasanishiki Brown rice

Nutritional information: N/A