SEASONAL DELIGHTS (Winter 2018)

Shiso Umeboshi from Japan
Organic Shiso Umeboshi
熊野 しそ漬け梅

(FUKAMI UME TEN)

Umeboshi are pickled ume fruits, similar to plums, and are a staple in the Japanese diet. Although they can commonly be found all over Japan, only 1% produced in the famous umeboshi region of Wakayama are organic. These umeboshi are JAS/USDA certified organic with no added chemicals (even in the fertilizer), preservatives or artificial coloring. Truly only the best quality ume is used!  Learn more about these amazing producers in our Producer Spotlight.

Shiso, part of the mint family, adds to the beautiful flavor and color. This nutritional superfood may aid in digestion, help protect the liver (a great hangover cure!), may stabilize blood sugar and is high in antioxidants. Your lips will pucker as you enjoy the sour flavor! Learn more about umeboshi on our Blog Post.

Suggested use: Enjoy as is, add it to soups (try it with the Brown Rice Soup included in your box), or on top of rice. It can also be used as a flavor enhancer in salad dressings or as a marinade for chicken or pork (try our recipe HERE) or as a filling in onigiri (try our recipe HERE).

Ingredients: Organic plum, Organic red shiso, Salt
Nutritional information: Serving size: 100g, Calories: 73kcal, Total Fat: 0.7g, Sodium: 16.8g, Total Carbohydrate: 15.6g, Protein: 1.1g

Salt koji from Japan
Salt Koji
塩麹

(YAMATO SHOYU MISO)

When it comes to fermentation, koji is king. Sake, soy sauce, rice vinegar and miso are all made from koji and this versatile fermented rice can be used as an ingredient (try it in a salad dressing) or as a marinade (tenderizes meats, fish and vegetables while adding that delicious umami flvaor). The best chef's in the world are raving about it - just ask René Redzepi and David Zilber from Noma! The beneficial bacteria promote gut health and are also rich in enzymes that help to digest protein, carbs and fat while increasing the bioavailability of minerals.

Suggested use: Use as an ingredient (try it in a salad dressing), as a marinade (tenderizes meats and fish while adding that delicious umami flavor. Try our Quick and Easy Koji Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe HERE), to create Japanese pickled vegetables known as Tsukemono (try our recipe HERE) or as an alternative to salt.
Ingredients: Fermented rice, Salt, Hops

Nutritional information: N/A

Hatcho Miso Powder from Japan
Hatcho Miso Powder
八丁味噌の香味パウダー

(MARUYA HATCHO MISO)

Different than regular miso (which can be made from a rice and soybean mix), this hatcho miso is carefully roasted and made into powder following a time-honored tradition and using quality soy beans (no grains), natural salt and pure water. It is then aged in authentic wooden tubs for over two years. This naturally-brewed, fermented food can help to promote a healthy gut, probiotic cultures, and ease inflammation.

Suggested use: A great alternative to salt, hatcho miso can be used on vegetables, meats/fish, tempura and even ice cream! Please note that it cannot be used to make miso soup.
Ingredients: Soy beans, salt

Nutritional information: N/A

Milky oyster sauce from Japan
Milky Oyster Sauce
オイスターソース

(ISHIWATA SHOTEN)

Due to its complex ocean currents and proximity to lush forests, Kesennuma Bay in Miyagi prefecture produces some of the highest quality oysetrs found in Japan. With a limited harvest period and focus on quality and nutrition, the oysters used for this sauce provide a rich, deep flavor. Unlike other oyster sauces, you can really taste the juicy, fresh oysters!

Learn more about the dedicated producers and their special approach to harvesting oysters in our Producer Spotlight.

Suggested use: Cook with it (great in a stir fry) or use it as a sauce for meats, seafood or vegetables. Click HERE for recipes.
Ingredients: Oyster extract, Sugar, Syrup reduction, Soy sauce, Yeast extract, Wheat (Includes wheat and soy)

Nutritional information: Per: 100g, Calories: 145kcal, Total Fat: 0.6g, Sodium: 6.6g, Total Carbohydrate: 28.6g, Protein: 6.4g

Dried sweet persimmon from Nara, Japan
Fuyugaki Dried Sweet Persimmon
奈良の富有柿 干し柿

(JAT)

Japan has an endearing love for persimmons (kaki or 柿) and once you taste the succulent, sweet flavors, you'll understand why it's been called Japan's national fruit. Fuyugaki (富有柿) is shorter and squatter than the typical persimmon and has a much richer and sweeter taste. These dried sweet persimmons are a special product from Nara, the ancient capital of Japan.

Suggested use: Enjoy as is.
Ingredients: Persimmon

Nutritional information: N/A

1st Place Amazake Energy Bar
1st Place Energy Cacao Cream
ファーストプレイス　エナジーカカオクリーム

(MANA)

This unique and delicious energy bar is made using 5 simple ingredients and contains no added sugar or preservatives. It's naturally sweetend using a rare brown rice (amazake) produced in the Tamba area in Hyogo prefecture and fermented with awamori koji. Perfect for when you're on the go or for a workout! (Two bars included)

Suggested use: Enjoy as is or spread it on bread/crackers.
Ingredients: Brown rice sweet sake, Organic cacao nibs, MCT oil, Organic agave inulin, Plant origin lactic acid bacteria (Includes wheat and soy)

Nutritional information: Serving size: 1 packet, Calories: 91kcal, Total Fat: 3.9g, Sodium: 0g, Total Carbohydrate: 12.5g, Protein: 1.5g, Potassium: 10.6mg, Magnesium: 3.2mg, Calcium: 1.07mg, Cacao polyphenol: 190mg, Alchohol: 0%

Brown rice soup from Japan
Brown Rice Soup
玄米スープ

(DENDENMUSHI)

Unpolished, whole brown rice is used in this natural, additive-free brown rice soup that is perfect for keeping you warm in the winter months. By using a unique, one of a kind technology, the chaff is maintained in the powder to add natural dietary fiber and is combined with the added benefits of wild grass and dandelion. It's base is a bonito stock (similar to tuna) which gives it a subtle taste similar to Japanese onigiri (rice balls). It's low in calories and has no chemical additives, preservatives or artificial sweeteners.

Suggested use: Just add hot water and enjoy. You can also add the Shiso Umeboshi for added flavor. 
Ingredients: Brown rice (sasanishiki produced in Ishimaki), Starch hydrolysate, Sardines, Bonito, Kelp, Shiitake mushrooms, Garlic, Sugar cane fabric, Potato, Potato starch, Seaweed, Goosefoot plant, Plantain, Dandelion, Chaff

Nutritional information: 70kcal/1 soup

Miso soup stick
Miso Soup Stick
ごま入りまろやか味噌汁

(MISO GEN)

Unlike the instant miso soups you'll find in your local grocery store, these are freeze-dried and free of chemical additives and preservatives. The rich fragrance and deep flavors can be enjoyed on their own as a hot drink or you can add your favorite vegetables to make a heartier soup. The perfect winter hug in a mug!

Suggested use: Just add 90mL of hot water or combine with your favorite vegetables, mushrooms, tofu or seaweed for a heartier soup.
Ingredients: Miso, Ground sesame, Sesame paste, Sesame, Sea kelp extract, Shiitake mushroom extract, Starch, Yeast extract, Antioxidant (vitamin E)

Nutritional information: N/A

Gyokuro green tea powder from Japan
Choicest gyokuro powder
玉露粉末緑茶

(TOMONI)

We all know the incredible benefits of green tea, but the type and quality matters. These convenient packs contain 100% high-quality, gyokuro green tea powder made from leaves grown in the mountains of Japan. The powder has passed strict tests in order to receive the seal of approval reserved for agricultural products that carry proven authenticity with respect to farms, cultivation, processing and pesticide use. Learn more about gyokuro tea in our Blog Post (Click HERE). (Three packs included)

Suggested use: Can be enjoyed hot or cold. Mix 1/3 of a pack in 100ml of hot water or one full pack in 450ml of cold water. You can also add it to your favorite smoothie, ice cream, cakes and cookies as a nutritional boost.
Ingredients: Gyokuro green tea powder

Nutritional information: N/A

GIFT

Chazutsu (Tea canister) from JapanChasaji (Tea scoop) from Japan

Tea Canister (Chazutsu or 茶筒) and Tea Scoop (Chasaji or 茶匙)

Shinrin yoku (森林浴), also known as forest bathing, is a way to heal one's body and mind by connecting with nature. This beautiful forest-print tea canister (Chazutsu or 茶筒) is filled with organic Riguri mountain tea 'KAI' (りぐり山茶 '懐') which is naturally grown in mountains with no pesticides. The tea scoop (Chasaji or 茶匙) is made by hand from natural cherry bark in order to maintain its unique and individual pattern. Cherry bark is also self-regenerating and therefore environmentally friendly. We hope bring these special gifts bring you some relaxation and warmth during the cold, winter months.

 

Suggested use: Can be enjoyed hot or cold. HOT: Pour hot water (above 90 ℃) over one big teaspoon of tea per cup. Let it steep for 3-4 mins (for a lighter taste wait 2-3 mins). You can reuse the same tea leaves up to 2-3 times. COLD: Mix 10-15g of tea leaves with 1L of water. Leave in the fridge for 3-8 hours (depending on your taste preference). Cold brewing can make the tea taste a bit sweeter.
Ingredients: Organic Riguri mountain tea

Nutritional information: N/A