Enjoying the Flavors of Autumn
As autumn arrives, the number of seasonal ingredients available across Japan increases. A representative example is sweet potatoes, whose sweet aroma signals the arrival of autumn. Roasted sweet potatoes are sold at convenience stores and Don Quijote, and sometimes roasted sweet potato trucks can be seen on the streets.
Chestnuts are another iconic autumn flavor. Cakes and bread made with chestnuts appear in abundance, and they are popularly used as an ingredient in Western-style sweets under the name 'marron.'
Winter's Gourmet Delights
In winter, luxurious seafood such as snow crabs line the markets. These ingredients can be enjoyed in seasonal crab-flavored chips or ramen that are only available during this time. It's also recommended to savor limited-time crab dishes at local restaurants.
The Charm of Citrus Fruits
In winter, mandarins and yuzu are very popular citrus fruits. Mandarins are a symbol of the New Year and are often seen in many households, enjoyed as juice or ice cream.
On the other hand, yuzu is characterized by its acidity and is rarely eaten directly. However, it is popular in ponzu sauce or yuzu baths. At the Izu Shaboten Zoo in Shizuoka Prefecture, visitors can enjoy the sight of capybaras soaking in yuzu baths.
Winter Nabe Dishes
An essential item for warming up during the cold season is nabe dishes. Oden can be found in convenience stores in Japan, and there are regional variations with special ingredients.
Meanwhile, nabe dishes are abundant with combinations of various local specialties, with styles different by region, such as motsunabe and chanko nabe. These provide an excellent opportunity to experience the unique climate and culture of each region in Japan.
