Green tea has been hailed for its health benefits and enjoyed for thousands of years globally, particularly in East Asia. Made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant (often called “tea plant”), there are dozens of different types of green tea with different processing and preparation methods as well as different flavor profiles. Whatever type of green tea you enjoy, you can sip easy knowing it is one of the world’s healthiest beverages! Just be sure to drink

New to the wonderful world of sushi? You’re likely to encounter many sushi-related Japanese words the further you go on your sushi journey, but let’s start with nailing down three of the most basic terms: sushi, sashimi, nigiri. First up: Sushi. Many people see the word “sushi” and think “raw fish” - but sushi is actually defined by its rice, not fish at all! Sushi is a fairly wide umbrella term which means:: A Japanese dish with prepared vinegared rice (usually seasoned furt

Sushi may well be Japan's best-known and best-loved food import globally, but very popular in Japan yet underrated elsewhere is tofu! Of course, tofu is not solely a Japanese food and is found in most Asian cuisines, but it is a very versatile and essential ingredient in households and restaurants in Japan. Tofu is popular year-round, but is thought to be the best in the winter months as the soybean harvesting season comes to an end. As it is made primarily from soybeans, tof

With temperatures starting to dip, a soothing bowl of miso soup is truly a delight. Miso is also packed with nutrients, and is a staple food seasoning in Japan with over a thousand years of history! What Is Miso? So what exactly is miso? Miso is a fermented soybean paste, and its basic ingredients are a mixture of: soybeans, the fungus koji, salt, and grains (typically rice or barley). There are over 1,000 different miso producers in Japan, with wide regional differences in t

The bento box might just seem like a trendy Japanese meal with a cute presentation, but bento boxes have been a staple of Japanese culinary history for centuries -- about 10 centuries, in fact! The word “bento” is derived from the Chinese word biàndāng, a Southern Song dynasty slang term which means “convenient,” and refers to both the bento meal and the bento box itself. The earliest and most basic iteration of the bento can be traced back to the Kamakura period (1185 to 13

Who doesn’t love tempura? Golden fried with the perfect amount of crunch, yet somehow still light and airy, tempura is absolutely delightful and delicious! Check out these 10 fun facts about this favorite appetizer and side dish below! 1. Classic tempura batter consists of only three simple ingredients: cake flour, eggs, and cold water (sometimes with added ice, or sparkling water instead). 2. Tempura was influenced by and adapted from fritter-cooking techniques, introduced b

If you haven’t tried mochi yet, you’re missing out! Mochi is a soft, chewy, delicious Japanese rice cake that comes in many different varieties and flavors. It is enjoyed year-round in Japan but especially during the Japanese New Year. A similar type of rice cake is also found in Korean cuisine, called tteok. Mochi is made using a short grain glutinous rice (called mochigome) that is steamed then pounded repeatedly, by traditional mallets or modern machines. The repetitive po

Are you eating sushi the wrong way? Though the “right way” should just be how you best enjoy it, there is traditional sushi eating etiquette that you should follow if you visit a sushi restaurant in Japan. And though sushi in America has evolved quite drastically from sushi in Japan, in our opinion, sticking to a few of these sushi etiquette tips can still absolutely enhance your enjoyment of eating sushi anywhere! How to Eat Sushi Properly: Eat with your hands! Use clean han

Sushi is hugely popular around the globe today and is often associated with modern fine dining experiences, but its earliest, humble origins will likely come as a surprise to most people. (Spoiler alert: sushi did not originate from Japan!) The very first iteration of sushi was used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a means of preserving raw fish. This prototypical sushi (now called narezushi) was made by salting raw fish and packing it inside fermented rice in barrels, allo