Japanese autumn and its foodie treats

“Sanma” or Mackerel Pike usually comes on our plates with the advent of Autumn, but can be found until mid-winter in Shizuoka Prefecture. image source: kanarikinic.com/2485.html

• Pacific saury (Sanma)

The kanji for Sanma is 秋刀魚、the first character 秋 means autumn and the last kanji 魚 means fish, the middle kanji 刀 means knife, illustrating the shape of the fish. Sanma is so revered in Japan it even gets its own festival; Meguro Sanma Festival, which has been taking place every year since 1996. At the festival they give away about 7000 grilled fish for free, although, like with all popular things in Japan queuing is a necessity.

• Matsutake mushroom

Considered a delicacy in Japan, the matsutake mushroom boasts prices starting at 20,000 yen for a kilogram. Due to a considerable amount of rain this August you may be able to pick some up for a little less, although that amount will still be astronomical.

Similarly to 栗ご飯 you can mix rice with matsutake to enjoy 松茸ご飯、remember to cook and season the mushrooms lightly in order not to hide their distinct autumnal aroma.

image source : www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/category/special/matsutake/

• Chestnut (Kuri)

栗ご飯 is a perfect dish to complement the season; it’s easy too. All you need is normal short grain rice, sticky rice, sake, salt, chestnuts and water.

image source : www.justonecookbook.com/chestnut-rice-kurigohan/

https://blog.gaijinpot.com/japanese-autumn-and-its-foodie-treats/

https://shizuokagourmet.com/japanese-seasonal-fish-sanmamackerel-pike/