

Asparagus - Edible Medicine
An early summer vegetable It’s asparagus season now in my native Hokkaido — time to enjoy these succulent shoots at their best! Asparagus...


Harusame (lit. “Spring Rain”) - Asia’s Gluten Free Noodle!
The noodle of choice in Zen cooking Harusame noodles are an Asian type of gluten free noodle made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, or mung...


Pork - Packed with Essential Nutrients
Great for fatigue and mental health Pork wasn’t always a traditional part of the Japanese diet: in fact, it wasn’t until the 19th century...


Umeboshi — A Super Nutritious Plum
An umeboshi a day keeps the doctor away Dried plums — umeboshi in Japanese — are so nutritious that we Japanese go as far as to say that...


Unagi — Japanese Traditional Eel
An ugly and mysterious fish I believe that eel is eaten in certain other parts of the world beyond Japan, but it is by no means common...


Nagaimo - Japan’s Much Loved Gooey Potato
Prized for its gooey texture While its trademark gooey texture may not win Nagaimo (Chinese Yam) many fans around the world, in Japan it...


Scallops - The Diet-Friendly Shellfish
The versatile scallop Scallops are popular all over the world, and Japan is no exception. Their chunky adductor muscles (the part you...


Harusame Soup
This light soup is easy on the stomach, even when your appetite is low. Ingredients (serves 4) At least 50g harusame noodles 100g chinese...