“Maitake” is a mushroom native to northeastern Japan. It is used widely in Japanese and Chinese medicine as an aid to restore balance to the
Category: Okinawa
Hmong Red Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) 赤キュウリ
The Hmong red cucumber is a rather deceiving vegetable. From the outside it looks like a gourd or a squash. Many Westerners here in Okinawa
Egg Fruit / Canistel (Pouteria campechiana) (Kanisuteru) 卵、果物
The “egg fruit” (scientific name: Pouteria campechinana) is a sweet, light fruit, originally from central America. It is cultivated widely throughout Southeast Asia, including Okinawa.
Hanami Dango 花見団子. 三色だんご
Perhaps the world’s first “cake pop”, The “hanami dango” is a popular confection in Japan and Okinawa. Similar to the popular mochi dessert of Japan; which
Hyuganatsu Mican (citrus tamurana) 日向夏柑橘
The farmer’s markets here in Okinawa are nothing short of extraordinary. Never before, in all my travels; have I seen such a volume of fresh
A Reflection on the book I did not write: Field Research Highlights: May 10-16, 2014
Update: July 2019. I intended on writing a book on Okinawan foods while living in Okinawa. But after I was blindsided by depression, I had
Poached “Gurukun” (Banana Fish)
There is something so exciting about buying something special, and rare, and fresh for dinner. You bring it home, wrapped up in a disheveled little
Okinawan Tomatoes: Jewels of Flavor
The farmer’s markets here in Okinawa are sparkling with vibrancy! Tomatoes; all shapes, colors, and sizes, are in season. The flavors of these little gems
Stories from the Ginowan Fish Market, Okinawa, Japan
The fresh, salty smell. The cool ice crunching. The hustle and bustle of the skilled workers. A port-side fish market is quite possibly the happiest
A Great Time At Soba Class
Recently, my husband, myself and our new baby had the honor of attending a class on Okinawa Soba, given by Chef Nozaki San in the
Pickled Diakon Ribbons
Pronounced (die-kahn as in Kahn, Wrath of… ), the daikon is a mystifying vegetable to us Westerners. It’s size is impressive. It’s shape and weight
The Eagle Has Landed. Over.
Hi! I’m BACK! Remember back in THIS POST when I said we were being stationed in Japan, and that I would be back after we