Suzuke (pickling in vinegar) of Japanese smelt and lotus root ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

Ibaraki Prefecture

Suzuke (pickling in vinegar) of Japanese smelt and lotus root

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Main lore areas

The whole prefecture
Main ingredients used

Smelt, lotus root, vinegar, carrots, onions

History/origin/related events

“Suzuke (pickling in vinegar) of Japanese smelt and lotus root” is made with Japanese smelt and lotus root, which are local specialties of Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan. Blessed with an abundance of water and fertile wetlands, the Kasumigaura area has been cultivated for more than 40 years and is now known as the leading producer of lotus root in Japan. Lotus root can be delivered throughout the year, but those harvested in summer are crisp and fresh, while those harvested in winter have a chunky texture, and you can enjoy a different taste depending on the time of harvest. Until around 1965, traditional smelt fishing in Kasumigaura had been carried out with sailing seine boats, which was a method unique to Kasumigaura. It is characterized by the boats' huge white sails, and the fishermen use the wind force to pull the seine. The sight of dozens of sailing boats with white sails floating on the lake was a famous feature of Kasumigaura. However, because fishing was not possible when there was no wind, and because the sails were so large that there was a high risk of capsizing when agitated by gusts of wind, fishing is now done by mechanical trawlers. In recent years, there has been an issue of declining catches due to overfishing. Smelt is popular with many people because its bones are soft and it can be eaten whole, making it easy to prepare.
Opportunities and times of eating habits

Wakasagi fishing takes place from late July to late December. Wakasagi caught during this season are immediately landed by local processors and shipped to the market as fresh fish. Since lotus root is also harvested during the summer and winter, "wakasagi and lotus root in vinegar" is often made during this season. Because it is seasoned with vinegar, it keeps well for a long time, and is still eaten daily.
How to eat

Remove scales from wakasagi, wash in salted water, drain, dust with potato starch, and deep fry in oil. Cut the lotus root into thin slices and marinate in sweet vinegar with the freshly fried wakasagi. Let sit for a while and eat when the flavors are well blended. The ama-zu vinegar can be made by adding yuzu peel or other ingredients to give it a fresh flavor.
Nowadays, it is often eaten as "nanbanzuke" using nanbanzu (sweet vinegar, soy sauce, and chili pepper).
Efforts for Preservation and Succession

Even today, it is often made at home because the ingredients are readily available at supermarkets.

RECIPE

Ingredients (for 4 person)

Wakasagi 250g
lotus root about 2cm long
carrot 1 medium
Onion 1 medium
cucumber about 2cm long
Yuzu citron 1／4 piece
red pepper 1 stick
[A] Vinegar 500cc
[A] Sugar 3 tablespoons sugar
[A] Sake 100cc
[A] Salt small quantity
potato starch small quantity
Salad oil small quantity

How to cook

1. Remove scales from wakasagi, wash in salted water, blot dry, dust with potato starch and deep fry in hot oil. Cut vegetables into thin slices.
2. Make pickling liquid with A, and combine with chopped peel of yuzu and slices of chili pepper.

Recipe Arrangements

provider : A Taste of Ibaraki: A Menu of Local Dishes, Shoku, Saisai, Hyakkei (Cooperation: Ibaraki Prefecture Dietary Improvement Promoters Council)

Recipes vary depending on the region and home.

This recipe video has been partially arranged to make it easier to cook at 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

Suzuke (pickling in vinegar) of Japanese smelt and lotus root ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

Ibaraki Prefecture