Tempura of Salt-Pickled Bamboo Shoots
A delightful bamboo shoot delicacy nurtured by Chiba's pristine nature

About Tempura of Salt-Pickled Bamboo Shoots

Tempura of Salt-Pickled Bamboo Shoots (塩漬けタケノコの天ぷら, Shiozuke Takenoko no Tempura) is a simple yet elegant dish made by rinsing salted bamboo shoots to remove excess salt, seasoning them, and frying them into crispy tempura. These bamboo shoots are sourced exclusively from Chiba Prefecture, renowned for producing high-quality bamboo shoots.

Chiba is one of Japan's leading regions for bamboo shoot cultivation, with notable production areas such as Otaki Town, Nagara Town, Chiba City, Kimitsu City, and Katsuura City. Among these, Otaki Town in Isumi District is the largest bamboo shoot producer in Chiba.

Situated in the heart of the Boso Peninsula, Otaki Town boasts the largest land area among towns in Chiba Prefecture, where approximately 70% of the land is covered by forests. It is said that Moso bamboo, a variety of bamboo used for shoots, was first planted here during the early to mid-Edo period.

The bamboo shoots harvested in Otaki Town are called "white bamboo shoots" (白たけのこ, Shiro Takenoko), prized for their pale color and delicate flavor. Lacking the strong bitterness or astringency typical in other varieties, these shoots can be enjoyed without the need for soaking or removing harshness. The exceptional quality of these white bamboo shoots comes from the distinctive acidic clay soils embedded with small stones and rocks.

In addition, Chiba Prefecture has been promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. Since 2002, it has been implementing a certification system called "Chiba Eco Agricultural Produce," which ensures that crops are grown with less than half the usual amount of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Under this initiative, Chiba's bamboo shoots are cultivated using little or no pesticides and with reduced chemical fertilizers, preserving both nature and quality.

While spring is the prime season for bamboo shoots, preserving them in salt allows for year-round enjoyment of this delicacy. The crisp and subtle flavor of Tempura of Salt-Pickled Bamboo Shoots makes it a welcome addition to everyday meals or special gatherings alike.

Why not savor the harmony of Japan’s culinary tradition and Chiba’s natural blessings with Tempura of Salt-Pickled Bamboo Shoots?

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