SEASONAL DELIGHTS (Winter 2018)
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.
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
(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.
Nutritional information:N/A
(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.
Nutritional information: N/A
(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.
Nutritional information:Per: 100g, Calories: 145kcal, Total Fat: 0.6g, Sodium: 6.6g, Total Carbohydrate: 28.6g, Protein: 6.4g
(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.
Nutritional information: N/A
(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)
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%
(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.
Nutritional information: 70kcal/1 soup
(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!
Nutritional information: N/A
(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)
Nutritional information: N/A
GIFT
Tea Canister (Chazutsu or 茶筒) and Tea Scoop (Chasaji or 茶匙)
Nutritional information: N/A