B-grade gourmet food

Insect eating, a hot topic in the SDGs, has a connection to Yamagata Prefecture! Introducing traditional foods such as locusts in soy sauce

As the world's population continues to grow, various problems are of concern, one of which is the food problem

Many people around the world suffer from hunger, and there are fears that as the population continues to grow, we Japanese may also find ourselves in a situation where we cannot obtain food

is attracting attention in the SDGs, insect-based food.

When people first hear about eating insects, many may have a negative image of it, thinking it's disgusting. However, Yamagata Prefecture has a long-standing culture of eating insects, including locusts in soy sauce

We will introduce traditional foods such as locusts in soy sauce, as well as the recently launched cricket farming business and snacks made using these crickets. There will also be a vending machine where anyone can purchase items, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out

Locusts in soy sauce are an important protein source for people in rural areas

Locusts in soy sauce
Locusts in soy sauce

grasshoppers simmered in soy sauceYamagata Prefecture isn't the only prefecture that eats

Grasshoppersare rich in protein. Among the foods we normally eat, those high in protein include meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. These foods were very precious, especially after the war. Therefore, it is said that people ate grasshoppers as a source of nutrition to obtain sufficient nutrients.

Locusts are also pests to rice. They eat rice leaves and stems, hindering growth. Farmers have long been troubled by the damage caused by locusts. Therefore, catching them reduces damage to rice, and eating them provides nutrition, so it kills two birds with one stone

Tsukudani preserved the food for a long time and was a convenient way to get protein during the winter. It was a valuable preserved food in a time when home appliances were not as common as they are today

For these various reasons, people in Yamagata Prefecture have been eating locust tsukudani for a long time

Locust tsukudani used to be made at home. I've heard stories of people walking along the rice paddy paths, catching the many flying locusts, and bringing them home so their parents could make it for them. However, there are probably very few homes that make locust tsukudani these days. Even those living in Yamagata Prefecture may have never tried it

Some people may be interested but are a little hesitant to make it. Locust tsukudani can be purchased online. It tastes just like regular tsukudani and is delicious with no bitterness. Why not give it a try?

However,please note that this product is not suitable for people with allergies to shellfish such as shrimp.

Cricket farming has been successfully carried out! Can they be transformed into a delicious snack?

dried crickets
dried crickets

in Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecturecricket farmingis taking place

which handles plating and ceramic products,Hygent Co., Ltd.as part of its SDGs initiatives"cricket farming"has started

the Yamagata factory of Hygent Technology Co., Ltd., where they have successfully cultivated two types of crickets. They are available for purchase in three forms: frozen, dried, and powder.

You might be wondering how to eat crickets. Actually,there are now ramen dishes made with broth extracted from crickets, such as cricket ramen.

Many people are put off by the appearance of the crickets shown on top, but many people have said that they find them delicious when they try them, so the product is attracting attention

Aside from the crickets on top, I thinkyou can eat it without worrying too much if it's in powder form. The components seem to be similar to those of crustaceans like shrimp, so it makes a good broth.

which uses crickets from Yamagata Prefecture and mushrooms from Yamagata Prefecture"Yamagata Crickets". This is a snack-like product made with dried crickets like chips and flavored with garlic mushrooms. It is a product that makes ample use of Yamagata ingredients, using mushrooms from Funagata Town and Mogami red garlic from Mogami Town.

It looks exactly like an insect, so it's quite visually striking. To be honest, you'd probably be hesitant to eat it, right?

Some people might imagine it to be bitter. However, when you eat it, the flavors of mushrooms and garlic are delicious, andit can be enjoyed as a snack with alcoholic beverages.

Because they are dried, they have a light texture and can be eaten like a snack. Two types of crickets are used, so you can enjoy comparing the taste

If you want to easily purchase edible insects, we recommend using a vending machine!

Incredibly,a vending machine specializing in insect-based food has been installed in Yamagata Prefecture.

The machine was installed in front of the outlet and discount store "Cocoico Aota Minami Store" along National Route 13 in Yamagata City. It is the prefecture's only insect food vending machine, and in addition to crickets, it also sells insects such as giant water bugs and tarantulas

If you're interested in weird food and insect eating but are afraid to buy it online, this is a great option as it's easy to purchase

Insect-based foodan easy way to obtain protein and potentially alleviate food shortages. It's also valued as a nutritious food source because it offers not only protein but also other nutrients, allowing for efficient nutrient intake.

It has a striking appearance, so it's great for a little punishment game or to start a conversation! Why not give it a try?

Hygent Co., Ltd. <INFORMATION>

  • Name: Hygent Co., Ltd
  • URL: Hygent Co., Ltd. (Cricket Business)
  • Vending machine location: Cocoico Aota Minami store
  • Address: 5-26 Aota Minami, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
  • Business hours: 10:00-19:00

GOOGLE MAP (Cocoico Aota Minami Store)

Articles that may be related to this article

Other articles