Imabari area

Igisu, shrimp, boiled shrimp, raw soybean flour

Igisu is a kind of seaweed that grows on rocks in shallow water, and is a kind of thin, branch-like red algae. It is caught in abundance on the coast around Imabari City in July and August. Igisu Tofu" is a dish made by boiling and dissolving haikisu and raw soybean flour in soup stock and hardening it like agar. The cool texture makes it easy to eat even in the hot summer when appetite is low. The "with ingredients" type includes shrimp, edamame (green soybeans), and other ingredients to make it look more colorful. Each household has its own unique flavor and mixes its own ingredients. The "without garnish" type is eaten with soy sauce or mustard miso.

In the Ochi and Imabari areas of Ehime Prefecture, igisu-tofu is often eaten during Obon and Buddhist memorial services. Igisu Tofu" is one of the tastes of summer, and many people eat it as if they were eating chilled tofu.

Wash igisu repeatedly in water, remove any debris, and soak overnight in water. Cut carrots, burdocks, and shiitake mushrooms into thin strips and season. Boil the shrimp with the skin on, remove the skin, and chop. Put the sardines and the boiled water from the shrimp in a pot and simmer slowly. Then add fresh soybean flour and cook further. Add light soy sauce and seasoned ingredients. When ready, cut into pieces and serve with mustard miso paste.

The local people are making efforts to pass on the "taste of the old country" to future generations through activities such as teaching children about the local cuisine. It is sold at local supermarkets and school lunches because of its high dietary fiber content and high mineral content.