Kitakyushu City

Sardines (mackerel), nuka miso

In the old days, nukazuke was a preserved food of the Ogasawara clan, and it was handed down to an old family in Kokura, where it spread among the common people. In the old houses of Kokura, nukazuke pickles are made in lacquer or vermilion-lacquered tubs with the family name on them, and have been handed down from generation to generation, and are shared with daughters who marry into the family. Not a few families are proud of their "hundred-year old" pickles. In summer, housewives were required to mix the vegetables from the bottom of the vat in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and even once in winter. When simmering sardines, mackerel, and other bluefish, a handful of this well-seasoned part of the bed of rice bran is used to remove the fishy smell. Another name for this dish is "osasajinni," which is said to be the name for the nuka-miso that was used by the ladies of the palace at Kokura Castle in the old days. Because of its high nutritional value and preservation, it was also used during wars, and was named "jindani" by Lord Ogasawara, the feudal lord of the Ogura domain at that time. Since the mid-Edo period, sugar and sake have been added to the dish, leading to today's "nuka-miso takikaki" food culture. It is generally known as "nuka-miso-taki" or "nuka-miso-ni" (stewed in nuka miso).

It is eaten throughout the year. It is eaten as a side dish and as a snack. It is also served as a New Year's dish and at funerals and other ceremonial occasions.

First, sardines and mackerel are cut and boiled in a broth containing soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and other seasonings. When the fish is cooked to a certain degree, add the nuka-miso stock and cook over a slow fire. The fish will lose its distinctive smell and instead soak up the flavor of the nuka-bed. This flavor comes from the vegetable extracts that accumulate in the nuka-bed every time the fish is pickled, in addition to the flavors of sansho and chili peppers, the ingredients of the nuka-bed.

Nuka-miso is always sold at markets in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City. In addition, there are some izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), teishoku (set meal) restaurants, and coffee shops in the Kokura area that offer homemade "nuka-miso taki" as their signature menu item.