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SEP 25 2024

Local flavors to get through the cold: 10 salty and delicious Tohoku souvenirs

Tohoku has a variety of salty yet delicious foods. It is a food culture that is a source of wisdom for surviving the cold. If you visit Tohoku, these are flavors you'll want to pick up as souvenirs. In contrast to the sweet and cute sweets, we will introduce three types of salty souvenirs that are serious and somewhat nostalgic. Please, "eat them!"

*Prices include tax.

画像: 寒さを乗りきる郷土の味。しょっぱくておいしい東北土産10選

You may have the impression that seasonings in the Tohoku region tend to be salty. In fact, this is due to the fact that salt was valued as a way to raise blood pressure and body temperature to protect the body from the cold, and salt preservation techniques were developed to prepare for the long winters. Even now, when logistics and refrigeration technology has advanced and the flavors of chain restaurants can be enjoyed all over the country, there are still plenty of souvenirs that adhere to traditional methods and feature the seasonings that are traditionally popular in the region.

We will introduce 10 carefully selected salty souvenirs from the six Tohoku prefectures, divided into three categories: "seafood," "pickles," and "stay-at-home foods." All of them are local flavors that have been passed down to the present day. Aren't they perfect for taking home as souvenirs?

Seafood Category - Iwate Prefecture

This is a seafood feast. The harmony of the three ingredients will steal your appetite with rice in "Sanriku Kaiho Zuke"

画像: 350g 5,000円/販売元:中村家

350g 5,000 yen / Sold by: Nakamuraya

A classic luxury dish from Sanriku. As the name "treasure of the sea" suggests, this dish is one of the most gorgeous. The creaminess of the mekabu seaweed, the popping texture of the salmon roe, and the thickly sliced abalone that is easy to bite into are truly a treat. The combination of these three elements, their pure flavor, and the rich saltiness, will overflow in your mouth. Are you ready to serve some freshly cooked rice?

Available at Nakamuraya Main Store, Hanamaki Airport, Morioka Station, etc.

Seafood Category ~Aomori Prefecture~

Rich and pure. Rich and sinful "live fish roe marinated overnight"

画像: 120g 1,188円〜/販売元:オカムラ食品工業直営店ポート

120g 1,188 yen ~ / Sold by: Okamura Food Industry Direct Store Port

This has a rich, dense texture along with the distinct taste of soy sauce. The umami of the broth is also effective. The large cuts and firm texture that show good freshness are something you won't find anywhere else. By the way, it is also a standard ingredient in onigiri rice balls in the Tohoku region. It is also delicious when combined with natto.

Available at Port Aomori store

Seafood Category ~Miyagi Prefecture~

"Hoya Suimei" is a condensed version of the addictive delicacy.

Image: 378 yen / Sold by: Suigetsudo Bussan Co., Ltd.

378 yen / Sold by: Suigetsudo Bussan Co., Ltd.

In season in summer, sea squirts are enjoyed by everyone in homes along the Sanriku coast, and it is said that once you experience how delicious they are fresh, you will be hooked. This product has a complex flavor that is salty as well as sweet, sour, and bitter, and is condensed by drying. It has a moderately elastic texture, and the more you chew it, the more the aroma of the sea squirt and the rich flavor rise. It has a different appeal to fresh sea squirts. Enjoy it as a snack or appetizer.

Available for purchase at the general store in Sendai Airport, souvenir shops in Sendai Station, and Newdays stores.

Pickles Section ~Akita Prefecture~

With its rich flavor and light texture, you can't go wrong with Kimuraya's "Iburi-gakko"

Image: Small from 740 yen / Manufacturer: Iburigakko Honpo Ogatsuno Kimuraya *The photo shows the large size

Small size from 740 yen/Manufacturer: Iburi-gakko Honpo Ogatsuno Kimuraya
*The photo is large size.

Akita pickles are now well-known throughout the country. Kimuraya's pickles are particularly additive-free. They are smoked over the smoke of burnt oak and cherry trees, giving them a crunchy texture, saltiness, and a rich, smoky aroma that fills your nose. If you want to try something different, why not mix them with cream cheese? In fact, a similar menu was served on JAL's international in-flight meals, using Kimuraya's smoked daikon radish.

Available for purchase at Akita Airport Souvenir Square "A-E-R", Akita Station, Iburigakko Honpo Ogatsuno Kimuraya (Factory Direct Store), the official online shop, etc.

Pickles Section ~Fukushima Prefecture~

Nishinoya's "Ika-ninjin" - the simple deliciousness of carrots enhanced by squid

Image: 180g from 356 yen / Sold by Nishinoya

180g 356 yen ~ / Sold by: Nishinoya

When you hear the word squid, you might imagine pickled seafood, but the main ingredient is pickled carrots with a crunchy texture. The key to the flavor is kelp and dried squid. The rich umami and saltiness envelop the fragrant carrots. The subtle sweetness of the carrots and the firm texture of the dried squid that occasionally peeks out create an irresistible contrast.

Available for purchase at the main store direct sales outlet at the entrance to Iwaki City Central Wholesale Market

Pickles Section ~Yamagata Prefecture~

Very convenient to use as is. Delicious and versatile pickles "Yamagata's Dashimaru Cup"

Image: 270 yen / Seller: Maruhachi

270 yen / Sold by: Maruhachi

This pickle is a versatile food that Yamagata is proud of, made by finely chopping and pickling cucumbers, eggplants, green onions, Japanese ginger, shiso leaves, and kelp. Among them, Maruhachi's pickles are excellent in balance, with a definite saltiness and moderate flavor. It can be served on tofu or rice, or used as a condiment for noodles. It is refreshing when mixed with natto, and is delicious with plenty of vegetables. "It can be used for anything" is a phrase you often hear, but this versatility is unparalleled.

Can be purchased at supermarkets etc.

Food Stock Category ~Aomori Prefecture~

70% of people always have it on hand. "Stamina Gen Sauce" that can recreate the taste of Aomori

Image: 486 yen / Seller: Kamikita Agricultural Processing

486 yen / Seller: Kamikita Agricultural Processing

It is highly popular as a local seasoning in Aomori. It has a similar flavor to yakiniku sauce, but uses apples and garlic from the prefecture and has a definite saltiness based on soy sauce. It can be enjoyed not only as a sauce for yakiniku and Genghis Khan, but also as a marinade or drizzle for stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, and fried chicken. It is said that about 70% of local households have it on hand, making it an addictive all-purpose product.

Available for purchase at Aspam Bussan on the 2nd floor of Aomori Airport

Food Supplies Category: Akita Prefecture

A harmony of sugar and salt. Enjoy Oga's high-quality salt in a sweet treat: "Namahage Shot Pie"

Image: 17 pieces for 594 yen (sold for 648 yen from October 2024) / Sold by: Akita Prefecture

17 pieces: 594 yen (648 yen from October 2024) / Sold by: Akita Prefecture

The product name brings to mind saltiness, and as you might have guessed, salt is the key ingredient. The waters off the coast of the Oga Peninsula are filled with currents, and the high salinity of the area means that salt has been produced there since ancient times. The dough, sprinkled with mineral-rich, mellow sea salt, is light and has a refined buttery flavor. The balance of sweetness and saltiness is just right, and you won't be able to stop eating it.

Available for purchase at the souvenir market in Akita Marugoto Market, the souvenir shop Obako in Akita Furusato Village, Shokusaimachi Yakata and other roadside stations in the prefecture.

Food Supplies Category ~Miyagi Prefecture~

"90% Beef Tongue with Sendai Chili Oil" allows you to enjoy chunky beef tongue to your heart's content

Image: 900 yen / Sold by: Beef tongue specialty store Jinchu

900 yen / Sold by: Beef tongue specialty store Jinchu

"Edible chili oil" has now been established as a genre, but this product is of such amazing perfection that it can be called the hero of Tohoku. The spicy aroma rises when you open the lid, and you can feel the abundance of ingredients just by inserting a spoon. The claim that it is "90% ingredients" is true, and it is soft and delicious. The salty taste with a strong umami flavor makes it a reliable side dish for simple rice.

Available at the direct sales store on the 2nd floor of Sendai Station and at the direct sales store at Sendai Airport

Food Supplies Category ~Miyagi Prefecture~

A sweet and salty, nostalgic, gentle local flavor. "Shiso Maki"

Image: 9 bottles for 480 yen / Sold by: Tohoku Ichiba

9 bottles 480 yen / Sold by: Tohoku Ichiba

In Miyagi, it is loved as a taste of grandma. The inside of the rolled up shiso is sweet miso made with sugar and walnuts. It is all made by hand and is free of additives. It is baked to a fragrant finish, so you can enjoy a light and crispy texture. The secret ingredient is shichimi pepper. It is delicious not only as a palate cleanser, but also with white rice.

Available for purchase at the "Souvenir Shop" inside Sendai Station, "Kitano Ace" in the basement of S-Pal, etc.

Don't miss out on these salty souvenirs unique to Tohoku!

The Tohoku region, which has many mountainous areas and is often snowbound during the winter, is said to have a unique food culture. This means that there is an abundance of salty delicacies. These flavors are sure to bring back memories of your trip. Sweet desserts are great, but sometimes you might want to try something salty like this.

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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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