Senshu area

Senshu water eggplant

Senshu mizu-nasu is a brand-name vegetable representative of the Senshu area, which stretches across southern Osaka. These eggplants are pickled in bran or pickling seasoning for a short period of time.
Compared to other eggplants, Senshu mizu-nasu has a plump, rounded shape, and its skin is thin and soft. As its name suggests, the eggplant has so much moisture that water drips down when squeezed tightly, and it is characterized by its freshness with a hint of sweetness. It can be eaten raw as it has little acridity, but it is most often eaten as a pickle in a bed of salted rice bran or in a seasoning solution. The most popular type of pickled eggplant is asazuke, in which the freshness of the eggplant can be enjoyed.
The Senshu area is blessed with moderate temperature and humidity near the sea, making it ideal for growing mizu-nasu, and it is said that mizu-nasu will not grow as well as mizu-asu grown in other areas. Mizunasu has been cultivated in the Senshu area since the early Edo period. Because of its thin skin, it is not suitable for transportation, and when made into pickles, the skin turns a dull brown color. Subsequently, the variety was improved, and a variety with a brightly colored skin appeared, making Senshu mizu nasu asazuke (pickled eggplant) widely known throughout the country.

It is said that farmers in the old days planted mizu-nasu in a corner of their fields to rehydrate themselves when thirsty between field work. Harvest time is from April to November, and the season is summer.
Mizunasu pickles are eaten daily by local households.

Wash, drain, and marinate Senshu mizu-nasu in rice bran or pickling seasoning for a short period of time (one to several days). For best flavor and texture, cut off the hefty part of the eggplant, cut a slit in the eggplant, and split it lengthwise by hand. It can be served with bonito flakes, ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, etc., if desired.

In addition to being made and enjoyed at home, it is also sold at agricultural produce markets and pickle stores, and is widely popular as a local specialty of the Senshu area.