October Bites: Fall Harvest

Mikan Orange Gummies
Mikan Orange Gummies
(みかんグミ)
Producer: Sanko
Prefecture: Aichi

 

For over 400 years, farmers in southern Japan have been cultivating unshu mikans, also known as Japanese mandarin oranges. These small citrus fruits are prized for their thin and easy-to-peel skin, refreshing aroma, and sweet flesh. Made using 100% domestic mikan juice, these chewy mikan gummies are full of natural sweet-tart flavor and citrus scent. 

Ingredients: Starch syrup (manufactured in Japan), sugar (sugar beet (domestic)), concentrated mandarin orange juice (mandarin orange (domestic)), gelatin, powdered oblate, edible fats and oils/acidulants (citric acid), gelling agent (pectin), brightening agent
Suggested uses: Enjoy as is.

 

Umami Potato Snack

Umami Potato Snack
(だしポテトスナック)
Producer: 
Sanko
Prefecture: 
Aichi

Formed from a dough of dried mashed potatoes and domestically made wheat flour, these fun shaped crackers add a crisp, airy texture to snack time. Lightly salted and seasoned with a special blend of umami-rich ingredients, these potato snacks are full of local Japanese flavor.

Ingredients: Wheat flour (wheat (domestic)), dried mashed potatoes, corn starch, grain oil (rice oil), sugar (sugar beet (domestic)), salt, dried onion powder, bonito extract powder, kelp extract powder, shiitake mushroom extract powder, uncalcined calcium
Suggested uses: Enjoy as is. Can also be crushed and used as a breading or casserole topping.
Storage: Store at room temperature after opening.

Soybean Crackers

Soybean Crackers
(きらず揚げ)
Producer: 
Sanko
Prefecture: 
Aichi

A blend of sweet and salty, these delightful soybean crackers are homemade using 100% domestic soybeans and local flour from Aichi Prefecture. The slight sweetness of raw sugar from Kagoshima Prefecture is balanced by salt from Nagasaki Prefecture, while gently frying in non-GMO rapeseed oil adds an addictive crunch.

Created in a tofu shop in 1995, these unique soybean crackers are made from kirazu, an old name for okara or soybean pulp, and were developed through trial and error in order to harden soft soybean pulp into a crispy texture.

Otoufu Koubou Ishikawa’s first shop was established during the Meiji Period. Now in its fourth generation, they are looking to support the Japanese soybean industry through their soy-based products. They have a personal relationship with local, non-GMO soybean farmers and hope to make tofu the centerpiece of every table!

Ingredients: Wheat flour (wheat (domestic)), raw sugar, vegetable oil (rapeseed oil), okara powder (soybean (domestic)), salt, leavening agent (baking soda)
Suggested uses: Enjoy as is. Pairs well with Japanese teas.

Warm Yuzu Citrus Drink (柚子くず湯)

Warm Yuzu Citrus Drink
(柚子くず湯)
Producer:
Hirohachido
Prefecture:
Fukuoka

Often served as a dessert during Japan’s colder months, this warm, comforting citrus drink features the vibrant flavors of yuzu. Japan’s most beloved citrus fruit, yuzu’s flavors are reminiscent of sweet mandarin oranges, tart lemons, and fragrant grapefruits. The thick, honey-like texture of this beverage comes from arrowroot, called kudzu in Japanese, while a touch of sugar adds a bit of extra sweetness. 

For over 149 years the Hirohachido company has produced old-fashioned sweets with hopes of preserving the traditional food culture of Japan. Today the company combines traditional methods with modern machinery to share the charm of Japanese sweets.

Ingredients: Sugar (domestically produced), arrowroot (kudzu) powder, yuzu powder
Suggested uses: Add 1 Tbsp of water to one drink mix packet in a heat-safe cup and stir to dissolve. Add another 150ml (~5oz) of boiling water and microwave for 20 sec (600W). Ready when transparent and bubbling.

Chestnut Yokan Jelly (栗羊羹)

Chestnut Yokan Jelly
(栗羊羹)
Producer:
Besshiame Honpo
Prefecture:
Ehime

Yokan is a popular form of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) with a natural sweetness from azuki (sweet red beans) and a firm, jelly-like texture from kanten (agar). This seasonal yokan features one of Japan’s favorite fall ingredients: chestnuts. Carefully sourced domestic chestnuts are cut to just the right size by skilled craftsmen and artfully arranged on the surface of the yokan, imparting their sweet, nutty flavor. The golden color of the chestnuts also beautifully contrasts the deep red of the yokan, creating a stunning visual reminiscent of the fall foliage.
Besshiame Honpo made its name with a simple dairy-based boiled sweet commemorating the historic Besshi Copper Mine in Ehime Prefecture. Today the company honors its over 150 years of history with a wide variety of traditional confections, including yokan, cheesecakes, and of course the Besshiame boiled sweets that started it all.

Ingredients: Sugar (domestically produced), red bean paste, chestnut (domestically produced), agar
Suggested uses: Enjoy as is. Pairs wonderfully with matcha!
Storage: Refrigerate after opening and use as soon as possible.

Mikan Orange Jelly (みかんジュレ)

Mikan Orange Jelly
(みかんジュレ)
Producer:
Sowa Kajuen
Prefecture:
Wakayama

Known for their subtle sweetness and delightfully tangy taste, mikan (mandarin oranges) are popular during Japan’s colder months. Arida City is the largest mikan producing region in Japan and has been cultivating citrus for over 450 years. This soft, citrus jelly is produced using only natural ingredients, including 70% locally sourced mikan juice.

Founded in 1979 by seven local mikan farmers, Sowa Kajuen makes every effort to deliver the best-tasting mikans and mikan products. The company’s dedicated farmers are involved in every step from farm to table and have received several awards from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing for their practices.

Ingredients: Mandarin oranges (from Wakayama Prefecture), sugar, glucose, agar, konjac powder, vitamin C
Suggested uses: Enjoy as is. Best served cold.

Spicy Yuzu Citrus Ponzu (ピリ辛ゆずぽん酢)

Spicy Yuzu Citrus Ponzu
(ピリ辛ゆずぽん酢)
Producer:
Goto Soy Sauce
Prefecture:
Fukuoka

Ponzu is a versatile Japanese citrus-based sauce akin to a seasoned soy sauce vinaigrette. It has a tangy, slightly sweet, and savory flavor, and is commonly used as a condiment or dipping sauce. This special ponzu combines the sweet, tart flavors of yuzu citrus with yuzu kosho, a popular Japanese chili paste. The soy sauce and brewed vinegar base is lightly sweetened with hon mirin (sweet rice wine) and enriched with a selection of savory ingredients that provide a well-rounded depth of flavor.

For over 110 years Goto Soy Sauce has used its unique manufacturing methods to produce delicious soy sauce. Since its founding in 1913, the company has worked hard to help preserve the traditional taste of Kyushu’s sweet, umami-rich soy sauce, while expanding to also offer additive-free miso, ponzu, dashi, dressings, and more.

Ingredients: Soy sauce (incl. wheat and soybeans), brewed vinegar, molasses syrup, yuzu juice, yuzu kosho, hon mirin, bonito shavings, kelp, mackerel shavings, sardine shavings, dried shiitake mushrooms, salt
Suggested uses: This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with grilled pork, chicken, beef, and fish dishes. It also makes a refreshing dipping sauce for hot pots, dumplings, and fried chicken. Try drizzling it on tofu, oysters, salads, and cooked vegetables for a refreshing touch of spice and tang.
Storage: Refrigerate after opening.

Yuzu Citrus & Mozuku Seaweed Soup (もずくスープ)

Yuzu Citrus & Mozuku Seaweed Soup
(もずくスープ)
Producer: Sokensha
Prefecture: Kanagawa

This flavorful, instant soup features the fresh, citrus aroma of domestically grown yuzu and the unique texture of mozuku seaweed, a regional specialty from the tropical southern islands of Okinawa. Mozuku, a nutritious brown seaweed, has a slightly briny taste and a hint of natural sweetness that is perfectly accentuated by the umami-rich soy sauce soup base.

Since its founding more than 50 years ago, Sokensha has been carefully crafting natural products using organic and domestic raw materials, without any additives. In addition to promoting human health, the company also supports the health of the planet through their sustainable development goals and environmentally friendly practices.

Ingredients: Dextrin, soy sauce (includes wheat and soybeans), salt, starch, scallop extract, yeast extract powder, sugar, spices, toppings (mozuku seaweed (from Okinawa Prefecture), yuzu peel, sesame, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried green onions, processed kelp)
Suggested uses: In a bowl, combine the soup block with 150ml (~5 oz) of boiling water and stir to combine. Try adding your favorite noodles or a poached egg to transform this instant soup into a heartier dish.

Mikan Orange Amazake (Sweet Rice Drink)

Mikan Orange Amazake (Sweet Rice Drink)
(蜜柑 甘酒)
Producer: Shirakami Tedukuri Kobo
Prefecture: Akita

Made through a process similar to that of sake, amazake is a sweet, non-alcoholic fermented rice drink, with a taste and texture similar to sweetened condensed milk. Made from high-quality Akita Komachi rice, this citrus amazake includes juice from fresh mikan oranges harvested in Ehime Prefecture.

Located at the foot of the Shirakami Mountains, Shirakami Tedukuri Kobo has been naturally fermenting products since 2003 using a local strain of lactic acid bacteria

Ingredients: Polished rice (Akita Prefecture), rice malt, mandarin orange juice (domestic), lactic acid bacteria
Suggested uses: Extremely versatile, this drink can be enjoyed as is (warm or chilled). Try adding it to coffee and cocktails or combine it with sparkling water or seltzer for a bubbly, refreshing beverage. The natural sweetness of amazake also works well in desserts. Try using it in mousses, sorbets, and even cakes! Looking for something savory? Add amazake to marinades and rubs as it helps to tenderize meat!
Storage: Refrigerate after opening and use as soon as possible.

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