Kumamoto Prefecture
Ganeage(Fried sweet potato)
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Image provided by : Mr. Misyo Tasaki, Kamitenso Municipal Ryugatake Elementary School
- Main lore areas
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Amakusa area
- Main ingredients used
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Sweet potatoes
- History/origin/related events
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In the Amakusa area, fish could not be used for Buddhist ceremonies, so instead, sweet potatoes were cut into thick slices and deep-fried in rapeseed oil, and "gane-age" is said to have originated as a vegetarian food.
In the Amakusa dialect, "gane" means crab, and the name comes from the fact that the fried appearance looks like crab legs. Also known as "tsukiage," it is called "ganeage" at festive occasions and "tsukiage" at Buddhist ceremonies. The batter is flavored with chopped or shredded ginger and sweetened with sugar. The crispy batter and the crunchy sweet potatoes are popular among people of all ages.
- Opportunities and times of eating habits
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Although it is still an essential part of vegetarian cooking, it also appears at weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial occasions. Popular with men and women of all ages, it is sometimes eaten as a snack as well as an everyday meal.
- How to eat
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Deep-fried udon noodles can be eaten as is or lightly sprinkled with salt to taste. There is also a menu item called "Ganeage Udon" (deep-fried udon noodles), which is served on top of udon noodles. Basically, only sweet potatoes are used, but carrots are added in some recipes.
- Efforts for Preservation and Succession
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(Outline of the people who have passed down the tradition, preservation groups, use of SNS, and modern efforts such as commercialization, etc.)
In addition to being made as a side dish or snack at home, it is also served at school lunches, restaurants, and product centers.