The Niigata Way to Eat Food: Fresh, in Season

Yuriko Goto, the store manager of “Pikari Sanchoku Market Otomisan,” a local hotspot located in Pier Bandai, explains the wonders of Niigata vegetables as follows. “Although Niigata is known for its rice, we also harvest various delicious vegetables. Snow-aged carrots, which are harvested from the under the snow at the beginning of spring, are especially sweet and vibrant in color thanks to being under the snow all winter-long. You might be surprised at how sweet they are even when eaten raw. The Meike-na (local brand of Japanese mustard spinach) and daikon radishes are also sweeter during years when there is a lot of snow. Long onions that are grown in the sandy soils of Niigata grow thick and straight, and the colder it is, the creamier the onion becomes when cooked. In many ways, the harsh climate of Niigata enhances the taste of our vegetables.”

Tatsuya Ito of Takumi Farm explains, “Usually, the skin of mini tomatoes lingers in your mouth, but since the skin of ‘Angel’s Lips®’ tomatoes is super thin, they are more enjoyable to eat. We control the water supply to stress these tomatoes out so that the fruity sweetness is intensified. The slight distortion of the shape is evidence that the tomato is sweet and delicious. This tomato is of the ‘petit puyo’ variety which is difficult to grow, and cannot be harvested until it turns red. This necessitates extra time and effort which is why not many farmers produce this type of tomato but what motivates me is seeing the delighted faces of those who try my product. It’s best eaten raw, but it was quite delicious when made into a compote and sprinkled on shaved ice.”

Furthermore, the “Echigohime Strawberry” known for its soft flesh and the “Le Lectier Pear” known for its bold aroma and silky texture are also hard to find outside of the prefecture due to limited supplies and the possibility of damage during transit. “We are now able to ship the fruits due to the development of new packaging materials, but it’s definitely best to visit Niigata and try them during their peak season when they are as fresh as possible,” says Mrs. Goto of “Pikari Sanchoku Market Otomisan. The Niigata producers have a huge desire to deliver their products in the best condition as possible because they know how delicious they can be when eaten fresh. The best way to experience the true wonders of Niigatan vegetables is to visit Niigata yourself. The locals know the best ways to eat their food so casually ask the locals at a restaurant or markets about the food items that are in season, or about the best way to eat something. This might just be the optimal way of fully experiencing the food culture of Niigata.