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Kabocha vs. Pumpkin - Kokoro Care Packages
With the spooky season just behind us and the pumpkin spice season in full swing, most of us are probably surrounded by pumpkins in one way or another. In Japan, the pumpkin spice craze doesn’t quite take over the country the same way it does in America each Fall, but there is a similar seasonal treat that takes its pl
The Art of Go-Ho: Japan's Five Quintessential Cooking Techniques - Kokoro Care Packages
In every cuisine, there are unique approaches to cooking and methods specific to that culture. They define the style of a cuisine and affect everything from the ingredients used to the philosophy behind certain meals. In Japan, there are five defining techniques or methods of preparing food, known as the Go-ho; "go" me
Food From Netflix's The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (Episode - Kokoro Care Packages
Episode 4 of The Makanai, “Wish”, is a character-heavy episode with less emphasis on cooking and a larger focus on the forces that drive the hearts of the characters. And while their hearts may yearn silently, Kiyo continues to help them express their emotions through her resonant cooking. There are a few throwbacks to
Food From Netflix's The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (Episode - Kokoro Care Packages
Episode 3 of Makanai titled "Taboo" immerses viewers in a culinary journey filled with tantalizing dishes prepared by Kiyo across all times of the day. The episode opens with Kiyo preparing breakfast step-by-step. As with many Japanese dishes, the key is layering flavors and adding depth and balance. Kiyo starts by si
RECIPE: Kawara Udon - Kokoro Care Packages
Kawara soba is a specialty of Yamaguchi Prefecture, where legend says it was first made by soldiers who cooked it over a campfire on a roof tile during the Southwest War in 1877. This recipe has been adjusted to use a frying pan and delightfully chewy green tea udon noodles instead of soba. The refreshing taste of the
Fuyu vs. Hachiya Persimmons - Kokoro Care Packages
While many Americans may not be as familiar with this orange, tomato-like fruit, the persimmon, or kaki, is one of Japan’s favorite seasonal fall treats. Returning to supermarkets as early as September, persimmon season typically runs from October to late December, with the majority of the fruit harvested in October o
Ozoni: Mochi Soup for a Soup-er Luck in the New Year - Kokoro Care Packages
Every culture has its own special foods prepared to usher in luck for the coming year. In the American South, black-eyed peas are a staple. In Spain, people eat grapes at the stroke of midnight. And in Japan, ozoni is a traditional dish eaten for breakfast on New Year’s Day. Ozoni is a type of mochi soup typically acco
Kinako Chronicles: A Tale of Soybeans and Sweets - Kokoro Care Packages
Of the many ingredients used in wagashi, Japanese sweets, one of the most indispensable is kinako. Whether used as a topping, binder, or toasty addition to ice creams and drinks, kinako’s place in Japanese cuisine proves its versatility in the kitchen. Made from dried, milled, and toasted soybean flour, kinako has a go
Momiji Manju: A Taste of Japanese Autumn - Kokoro Care Packages
When many travelers I know visit Japan, they tend to plan a spring trip to enjoy the brief (and sometimes unpredictable) sakura and ume blossom season. While that’s among the prettiest times of year to visit, fall in Japan has its own unique beauty to be experienced. As summer begins to wind down and the first chills o
The History of Tempura - Kokoro Care Packages
Tempura is one of Japan’s most iconic foods. It appears in traditional dishes served at high-end Michelin-star restaurants, as well as some of the most popular American-style Japanese food (I’m thinking of you dragon rolls and spider rolls!) With that iconic status, it may or may not come as a surprise that this belove
Oyaki: Nutrition-Packed and Vegetarian-Friendly Dumpling Delights - Kokoro Care Packages
If you're a vegetarian traveling in Japan, you probably know that sometimes it can be quite a task to find suitable food. Most Japanese dishes contain animal products in one way or another, with dashi, a fish-based stock, being integral to much of Japanese cooking. For those looking for veggie-packed meals, despair no
Daigaku Imo: A Sweet Potato with a Degree in Deliciousness - Kokoro Care Packages
Japan is known for being a country that truly appreciates the changing of seasons. With picnics under the cherry blossoms in the spring and foliage treks in the fall, the country is acutely aware of each season's transition. The same sense of appreciation extends to seasonal ingredients. With dropping temperatures and
Street Sweets: Japan's Yakiimo (Sweet Potato) Trucks - Kokoro Care Packages
As the days grow shorter, and the autumn chill begins to give way to the cold of winter, the colors of Fall start their gradual decline across the hills and mountains of Japan. A once familiar sound has grown less familiar as years have gone by: the call of the yakiimo truck. Once a staple as present as ice cream truck
Guide to Japanese Mushrooms - Kokoro Care Packages
Japanese mushrooms have been gaining widespread attention for their health benefits and their potential as meat substitutes in plant-based diets. Japan boasts a rich variety of mushrooms and a long-running foraging culture that dates back centuries. As such, fungi play a crucial role in Japanese cuisine, serving as a s
Nuts about Jimami Tofu: The Low Down on Okinawa’s Unique Tofu - Kokoro Care Packages
When I first stumbled across jimami tofu early on in my time in Japan, I mistook it for yet another version of Japan’s beloved flan-like dish, purin. Stumped by its jiggly smooth texture, I poured on the brown sauce that accompanied it assuming it was some sort of caramel, only to be met with the familiar taste of soy
Acerola: A Little Fruit That Packs a Big Punch - Kokoro Care Packages
Acerola, a small cherry-like fruit with a sweet and tart taste, has become a beloved flavor in the southern prefecture of Okinawa, Japan. Although it goes by many other names such as Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, and wild crepe myrtle, the fruit is known as acerola in Okinawa and can be found not only in a varie
Ramune: Japan's Iconic Marble Soda - Kokoro Care Packages
If you are familiar with Japanese candy and sweets, there is a good chance you've heard of ramune. And if you've happened to visit Japan during the summer, you've likely heard the tell-tale sound of ramune being consumed. So, what exactly is this iconic summer beverage, and what has contributed to its widespread popula
Bamboo Shoots in Japanese Cooking: Takenoko vs. Menma - Kokoro Care Packages
Cherry blossoms aren’t the only plant associated with springtime in Japan. Around the same time that sakura trees begin sprouting their pink flowers, young bamboo shoots begin sprouting from the ground. Bamboo shoot, known as takenoko (literally “bamboo’s child”), is a central ingredient in many Japanese springtime dis
All about Castella – Nagasaki’s Traditional Cake with European Influen - Kokoro Care Packages
“You must try castella!” This was the first greeting I received during my visit to Nagasaki. Initially, I was confused because the name castella or kasutera (カステラ) doesn’t sound Japanese, but when I learned that it refers to Nagasaki’s specialty sponge cake, I was curious – just how good can a cake taste? Introduction
Amendoro “Honey” - A Sweet Potato Syrup with a Healthy Kick - Kokoro Care Packages
Amendoro is a sweet potato syrup that originates from the Satsuma Peninsula in southwestern Japan. The Satsuma Peninsula is also known as the home of sweet potato cultivation in Japan. The Japanese word for sweet potato, “satsuma-imo” or “satsuma potato”, reflects this history. Amendoro derives its name from the word
More than a fabric dye: Japanese Indigo and its benefits and uses - Kokoro Care Packages
Most commonly recognized for its beautiful, distinct blue coloring, indigo has many uses beyond a dye for fabric. In Japan, indigo has been used as "medicinal herb" for a centuries. Here are some not so common uses for indigo. Some of them may surprise you!
The History of Pocky : A Snack with a Snap - Kokoro Care Packages
When it comes to Japanese sweets, there are few that are more immediately recognizable than Pocky. Delicate biscuit cookies covered in sweet chocolate and sold in iconic flip-top boxes, Pocky can be found in every Japanese supermarket and convenience store. Further, almost every store selling Japanese imported goods ar
Mozuku Seaweed: The Secret Ingredient of the World’s Longest-Living Pe - Kokoro Care Packages
Unique to the warm waters off the coast of the Okinawa region, mozuku is a regional variety of seaweed that has been farmed on an industrial scale for over 35 years. Okinawan mozuku grows on coral reefs and is nicknamed a “sea cloud” because of its slow, wavering movement on the sea. Recent advancements in aquaculture
Ramen Diaries: Exploring Must-Try Japanese Ramen Chains in the US - Kokoro Care Packages
Without a doubt, ramen has become an absolute hit in the United States. As a ramen fanatic and someone who lived in Japan for several years, looking for authentic and delicious ramen has been an ongoing side quest of mine ever since I returned to the US! Now, while I admit I am a bit biased toward authentic ramen expe
The Unexpected Rise of Instant Ramen - Kokoro Care Packages
When it comes to Japan's profound cultural food influence, there's a single dish that has left a larger impact than even sushi—and it might surprise you! Available in grocery stores around the world from the largest supermarket chains to the smallest bodegas, instant ramen is everywhere. Costing pennies on the dollar,
Japan's Unique Canned Food Culture - Kokoro Care Packages
In the Western world, canned food often gets a bad reputation for being more unhealthy than its less preserved counterpart. However, in Japan, canned food is cheap, long-lasting, and convenient for those who live alone. Furthermore, it's useful to keep on hand for emergencies. Since canned foods vary dramatically aroun
Miwa's Healthy Japanese Cooking Course - Kokoro Care Packages
Discover the essence of Japanese home cooking with Miwa’s Healthy Japanese Cooking Course! This 8-week online program is designed to transform your home cooking experience by helping you master traditional Japanese cooking techniques, explore and embrace healthy ingredients that elevate gut health, and design personali
Steamed Goodness: The Warm Embrace of Nikuman in Cold Japan - Kokoro Care Packages
Plump buns of steamy goodness, nikuman take the spotlight in the winter season. During warm months in Japan, there is a small chance of running across a heated case in the local convenience store. However, as the weather turns cold, these steamed buns multiply in both variety and number! About the size of a small ham
Culinary Postcard: Exploring Wakayama's Specialties - Kokoro Care Packages
Wakayama holds a special place in my heart, as it was my home during my time as an English teacher on the JET program. Located in the Kansai region just south of Osaka and Kyoto, Wakayama offers much to curious travelers, especially those interested in culture and cuisine. The prefecture boasts fresh seafood, abundant
Sayama-cha: A Rare Regional Green Tea - Kokoro Care Packages
Japan boasts a rich history of tea cultivation, with green tea taking the spotlight for its remarkable variety. Today, we embark on a journey to explore one of Japan's lesser-known green teas: Sayama-cha. What sets Sayama-cha apart is its unique place of origin. While most teas in Japan are grown in central and western
Baumkuchen: Exploring the Origins of German 'Tree Cake' in Japan - Kokoro Care Packages
It is easy to see how Baumkuchen, which literally translates from German to “tree cake,” gets its name. Slicing into Baumkuchen reveals the cake’s concentric circles reminiscent of a tree’s annual growth rings.Made from a thin batter of flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, and butter, it is also easy to see how this conf
Savoring Setouchi: The Culinary Treasures of Seven Coastal Prefectures - Kokoro Care Packages
Surrounding the serene Seto Inland Sea in the West of Japan, the Setouchi region is a beautiful seaside escape. A collection of thousands of islands, Setouchi is made up of the prefectures of Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Okayama, Hyogo, Ehime, Kagawa, and Tokushima. While the Setouchi region is well-known for its arts, cultur
Moshio Magic: The Ancient Seaweed Salt of Awaji Island - Kokoro Care Packages
Awaji is an island in the present-day prefecture of Hyogo. Its unique and fertile landscape produces some of Japan’s finest Kobe beef along with an abundance of vegetables, decorative flowers, and plants. Awaji even holds a special place in the creation myth of Japan itself, as it’s believed to be one of the eight isla
Kyoto Cuisine: The Delicate Flavors of Traditional Japan - Kokoro Care Packages
As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto was the country’s cultural center for several centuries. Even though Kyoto is far from the sea, the money flowing into the city meant that ample time and resources were spent on making the available foods as delicious as possible. What emerged was the “delicate taste” that Kyoto cu
Edamame and Aodaizu: Investigating Japan's Soybeans - Kokoro Care Packages
When it comes to permeation into Western media and market share gain, few Japanese foods have achieved the level of recognition enjoyed by sushi, hibachi, and ramen. However, amidst these popular items, there is one unassuming product that has managed to find its way into almost every supermarket in the United States:
The Differences Between Oolong And Sencha Tea - Kokoro Care Packages
Much like wine, the world of tea offers an incredible range of flavors and tasting possibilities. While Japan is renowned for its production of green teas like sencha, it also cultivates a small selection of oolong teas. Unlike green and black teas, which are typically considered at opposite ends of the tea spectrum, o
Beyond Barley: Exploring the Rise of Rice Beer and Its Sustainable Pot - Kokoro Care Packages
Water. Malt. Hops. Yeast.These are the four main ingredients in beer production. And while water, hops, and yeast are all undoubtedly important components of the brewing process, perhaps the ingredient which contributes the most to the flavor profile and allows brewers ample room for creativity is malt. What is malt?
Japanese Power Foods: Traditional Fermented and Pickled Foods - Kokoro Care Packages
I first discovered traditional Japanese foods in Akita prefecture, part of the Tohoku region of Japan, which is well-known for its pickled and fermented foods. Many of these foods, including miso, soy sauce, sake, natto, rice vinegar, tsukemono (pickles), and katsuobushi (dried bonito), are common throughout Japan but
Food From Netflix's The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (Episode - Kokoro Care Packages
If you are anything like me, you’ve been watching Netflix's The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House and enjoying the journey and the food. Episode 1 offers a few choice eats while providing some unique knowledge. As the show opens, we are greeted with the scene of Kiyo and her grandmother eating a red-bean soup. This
Fu: Japanese Wheat Gluten and Vegan Protein - Kokoro Care Packages
For a product that can be found in just about every grocery store in Japan, fu (麩) is almost completely unknown to people outside of Japan. In its simplest terms, fu is wheat gluten that is formed after wheat dough isrinsed off all the starches. If this sounds familiar to you, it may be because this is similar to the p