Igoneri ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

Niigata Prefecture

Igoneri

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Image Source : Niigata Tourist Association

Main lore areas

All over Niigata Prefecture
Main ingredients used

Igogusa

History/origin/related events

Igoneri" is a local dish representative of Sado Island, made from the Japanese rush grass harvested from the Sea of Japan. It was made in every household from fall to winter. Igogusa is a type of seaweed that grows on large seaweed such as kombu and hondawara, and is widely used mainly on the Sea of Japan side. It is called "igo" in the Sado region and "ego" in the Niigata region. It is made by boiling and kneading sun-dried dried sea weed while adjusting the amount of water, then spreading it thinly and cooling it down to harden it. It is served with ginger soy sauce or vinegared miso. It is characterized by its firm texture and has a slight aroma of the sea. It is said that "igoneri" was introduced from Kyushu's "okkyuto culture" to Sado Island from Hakata via Wajima on the Noto Peninsula, and then to various places in Echigo through the traffic of Kitamae ships and fishing boats.
Opportunities and times of eating habits

From mid-July to August, the rice grass is harvested, dried, and made into "igoneri" as needed. Originally, it was made by households from fall to winter and eaten mainly for weddings and funerals, but recently, as manufacturers have begun to make it throughout the year, it has become a year-round food and has changed to an everyday food.
How to eat

In the Sado region, the traditional style is to roll igoneri, which is spread thinly like a board, and cut into thin strips like tokoro-ten. It is served with condiments such as green onions and ginger, and soy sauce. On the other hand, on the mainland, the mainstay is to cut the Igogusa into thin slices and eat them with ponzu (Japanese sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar) or vinegared miso (soybean paste). Recently, a new way of eating it has been invented, such as adding kuromitsu kinako (soybean flour flavored with black soybean paste) or vanilla ice cream. Ama-machi in Aikawa has a dish called "Ama-machi soba," which is thinly sliced "igoneri" and served with men-tsuyu (soy sauce).
Efforts for Preservation and Succession

Although the number of households making igoneri has decreased, there are workshops held by local mothers to pass on the food culture of igoneri. Since the manufacturer sells igoneri throughout the year, it can be purchased anytime at retail stores, etc., and can be easily eaten.

RECIPE

Ingredients (For 4 persons)

Igogusa (Egogusa) 100g
Water 2L
Green onion, finely chopped as needed
Thinly sliced lemon peel as needed

How to cook

1. Put the Igogusa (Egogusa) in a bowl and drain under running water to remove any debris.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1, and when it becomes soft, turn off the heat and let it steam for about 10 minutes.
3. Put the pot back on the heat and knead over low heat to remove the garbage. Add water as needed, stirring to prevent burning, and turn off the heat when the Igogusa (egogusa) has melted.
4. Spread a thin layer of 3 on a stainless steel or gold tray. When it hardens, cut it into 15 cm squares and roll it. Cut another 0.5 cm in width and place in a bowl. Garnish with your favorite condiments such as green onions and grated ginger, and serve with soy sauce.

provider : "Niigata no okazu: Local ingredients and cuisine" (written by: Niigata Prefecture Dietary Improvement Promotion Committee, published by Kaikosha)

Recipes vary depending on the region and home.

Contact

Food Cultures Office, Overseas Market Development and Food Cultures Division, Food Industry Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Tel:+81-3-3502-5516

Igoneri ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

Niigata Prefecture

Igoneri

Main lore areas

Main ingredients used

History/origin/related events

Opportunities and times of eating habits

How to eat

Efforts for Preservation and Succession

RECIPE

Ingredients (For 4 persons)

How to cook