Delicious

[Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture] Soy sauce is the deciding factor! What is ``Umaitare'', the unsung hero of local cuisine?

  • ikoke
  • Last updated: 2024.04.23

There is a soy sauce that has been loved for generations in Yonezawa City, southern Yamagata Prefecture.

Its name "Umaitare" . Every Yonezawa citizen knows about it, and I hear that every household always has one bottle on hand.

What kind of ``sauce'' is ``Umaitare,'' which is loved by citizens and is often ordered from outside the prefecture as a taste of the hometown that people live far away from? I would like to introduce it to you.

We will also introduce representative local dishes using ``Umaitare''.

soy sauce? No, it's "delicious"

``Umaitare'' is a ``all-purpose seasoning'' made using a unique manufacturing method that uses plenty of the flavor of bonito.

Delicious

It goes well with a variety of meals, including soy sauce, noodle soup, sauce, and egg-cooked rice.

Moreover, the salt concentration is 12.5% ​​in ``Umaitare'', compared to about 17% in regular soy sauce, making it the best sauce that is not only versatile but also healthy.

Yamagata's soul food "Tama Konnyaku" using "Umaitare"

Tama konnyaku

"Tama konnyaku" is a soul food of Yamagata prefecture people, affectionately known as "Tamakon".

It is sold on skewers at sightseeing spots, cherry blossom viewing, events, and festivals, and is a local Yamagata dish of konjac soaked in dashi soy sauce and karashi.

As the name suggests, ``Tama Konnyaku'' made with ``Umaitare'' is full of flavor, so you can easily prepare it at home with just one bottle.

By the way, the recipe is very easy!

  • Wash the tama konnyaku with water.
  • Add the tama konnyaku to an empty pot and let it crisp up. until the surface is completely dry.
  • Add the ``Umaitare'' until the konnyaku is about half way through and simmer.
  • Continue to simmer while stirring by rolling (the water will come out from the konjac, so the consistency will be just right)
  • Check the flavor and remove from heat.

``Umaitare'' that can be made without using various seasonings is very useful!

We also offer boiled fish, root vegetables, noodles, tempura soup, and more! It is a very useful ``all-purpose seasoning.''

It's so important that every family always has one on hand! It doesn't seem like an exaggeration to say that.

The ``Umaitare'' has a well-balanced taste and goes perfectly with egg-cooked rice!

Freshly cooked rice, fresh eggs, and all-purpose seasoning ``Umaitare.'' There is no doubt that food will progress.

A big staple in Yonezawa! Yamagata specialty “Imoni” using delicious sauce

Imoni

One of Yamagata's most representative autumn events is the ``imoni party.'' Imoni is an especially delicious dish that is eaten together around a large pot at a gathering of close friends, work colleagues, and children's parties on the riverbank.

At supermarkets in Yonezawa City, you can find ``Imonikai Set,'' which includes cut ingredients, taro, and beef, as well as ``Umaitare'' as a seasoning.

Imoni is popular throughout Yamagata Prefecture, but not all of it is ``delicious'', and each region uses its own cooking methods and seasonings.

However, in Yonezawa City, it is standard to use ``Umaitare'', which is a versatile seasoning.

What is Hirayama Magobei Shoten, the creator of “Umaitare”?

Hirayama Magobei Shoten

The company that manufactures and sells ``Umaitare'' is Hirayama Magobei Shoten, which was founded in 1899.

In the Edo period, he was the official swordsmith of the Uesugi clan, and in the Meiji period, he started brewing soy sauce and miso, which he still does today.

“Hirayama Magobei Shoten” is more than just “delicious food”

``Umaitare'' is by far the most popular, and sales are also increasing online.

However, the soy sauce produced and sold by Hirayama Magobei Shoten seems to be made with a strong flavor due to its special manufacturing method, and has gained firm popularity.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Hirayama Magobei Shoten
  • Address: 2-2-22 Omachi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 992-0031
  • Phone number: 0238-24-2222
  • Official website: Hirayama Magobei Shoten website

GOOGLE MAP

Check out the rice crackers made with “Umaitare”!

Hirayama Magobei Shoten, whose signature product is ``Umaitare,'' also sells miso in addition to soy sauce.

We also sell a variety of tsukudani and pickles made with soy sauce and miso.

“Umaitare” fried rice crackers

Furthermore, recently, fried rice crackers flavored with ``Umaitare'' have also been sold at supermarkets.

I think selling it as rice crackers will help expand support from young people!

summary

Each region of the country has its own ingredients and local cuisine that are loved in that region.

Even within Yamagata Prefecture, each region has its own seasonings that are loved by residents.

``Umaitare'' is a versatile seasoning representative of Yonezawa, and is essential to the preparation of local dishes such as ``Tama Konnyaku'' and ``Imoni'', which are known throughout the country.

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