Deep Dive
Why is autumn in Japan referred to as 'Shokuyoku no Aki' (Appetite Autumn)?
Autumn in Japan is called 'Shokuyoku no Aki' because it is a season filled with delicious foods. The pleasant weather and abundance of seasonal produce, such as sanma (Pacific saury), grapes, and mushrooms, stimulate people's appetite, making it a time when the desire to eat is particularly strong.
What is unique about sanma (Pacific saury) in Japanese autumn cuisine?
Sanma, a slender fish, is a staple of Japanese autumn cuisine. It is traditionally written with the characters for 'autumn sword fish' due to its shape. In autumn, sanma is rich in oil, making it exceptionally flavorful. While it can be eaten as sashimi or sushi, it is most commonly grilled with salt.
How has the availability and price of sanma changed in recent years?
Sanma, once abundant and affordable in Japan, has become scarce and expensive. In the past, it could be bought for as little as 50 yen per fish, but now prices can reach 300 to 500 yen per fish due to reduced availability. However, it can still be found for around 150 yen during certain times.
What is 'fruit picking' (kudamono-gari) and why is it popular in Japan during autumn?
Fruit picking, or kudamono-gari, is a popular autumn activity in Japan where people pick and eat fresh fruits directly from the trees. Grapes, apples, and strawberries are common choices. It is especially enjoyable because Japanese fruits are typically expensive, making fruit picking a rare opportunity to eat them to one's heart's content.
Why is matsutake mushroom considered a luxury food in Japan?
Matsutake mushrooms are a luxury in Japan due to their rarity and unique flavor. They cannot be cultivated and must be foraged in the wild, making them difficult to find. A box of 5 to 10 matsutake mushrooms can cost between 20,000 to 30,000 yen, with high-quality specimens reaching nearly 100,000 yen.
What other activities are associated with autumn in Japan besides eating?
In Japan, autumn is not only about food but also about activities like sports and reading. The cool, pleasant weather makes it an ideal time for outdoor sports and cozy reading, earning it the nicknames 'Sports Autumn' and 'Reading Autumn.'
- Sanma, a type of fish, is particularly delicious in autumn due to its high oil content.
- Grapes are another seasonal favorite, and grape picking is a popular autumnal activity in Japan.
Shownotes Transcript