Heirloom Crop; Mōsō Bamboo

Mōsō Bamboo is famous in the Yutagawa area of Tsuruoka City. It is said that it was first brought from Kyoto by worshippers who returned after their ascetic training and planted it in their homeland. It is associated with spring for the locals due to its fresh flavours and tender texture. Mōsō Bamboo is usually enjoyed grilled or in miso soup together with Shiitake Mushrooms and Fried Tofu that is flavoured with sake lees, a side product of sake production.