[Aomori Prefecture] BBQ in Aomori is not ordinary! Is it true that sagari and hormones are the main ingredients?

Aomori Prefecture is known for its abundance of fresh seafood and vegetables, but did you know that it actually has a unique Yakiniku culture? This article introduces the unique characteristics of BBQ found in Aomori Prefecture, especially the Tsugaru region. Why not experience Aomori's unique Yakiniku culture and create some summer memories?

Aomori people get excited for BBQ as spring approaches.

BBQs are held everywhere in Aomori Prefecture from spring to autumn. BBQs are held anytime and anywhere during sports days, Yoimiya, Golden Week, Obon holidays, etc., and you can often smell meat coming from somewhere on holidays. Why do people in Aomori do BBQ so much? After doing some research, it seems that Aomori's BBQ culture started with apple farmers.

In the Tsugaru region, where there are many apple farmers, when the work is finished, friends gather together to grill the meat and express gratitude for their hard work. As a result of that tradition, BBQ is still held when people gather.

Is Aomori BBQ strange?

The BBQ that is loved by the people of Aomori, especially Tsugaru, is a little different from regular BBQ. From here, I will introduce what I think is strange about Aomori BBQ.

Call it "nigu" instead of BBQ

Up until now we have been calling it BBQ, but the Tsugaru people actually call "nigu" Of course, this is just a corruption of the word "meat," but it's a pretty fancy way of calling it. Every home in Aomori Prefecture has a BBQ stove, and on a nice day, "Niguya ya teena" and you have an environment where you can start a BBQ right away.

What is important about this "nigu"

Mainly pork hormone and sagari

basically only two types of Tsugaru's BBQ "Nigu" pork offal and sagari Aomori Prefecture has always been a pork-loving prefecture, ranking second in the country in terms of pork consumption. Perhaps because of this, the offal grilled at Nigu is not from cows, but from pigs. In fact, I have never participated in ``nigu'', where cow offal is grilled. What's even more strange is that the people of Tsugaru call pork offal "motu." It is said that the culture of eating pork offal is a culture south of Kansai, but it is not known why the culture of grilling pork offal took root in faraway Aomori Prefecture.

Sagari is something other than pork offal that appears, but it seems to be divided between beef fans and pork fans. The Hirakawa Sagari Study Group, which promotes Nigu culture, recommends beef offal, but many locals say sagari means pork.

It is true that in the ``Nigu'' I have participated in so far, there have been times when I have been hunting down cows, and there have also been times when I have been involved in hunting down pigs. If you think about it, the type of sagari may be a matter of personal preference.

It can also be done in apple orchards or warehouses.

The location of Tsugaru BBQ is also unique. Apparently it's commonly done in apple orchards, home sheds, or garages. It is common nationwide to do this in a garage or garden, but it may be unusual to do it in an apple orchard or warehouse. It's true that apple farmers usually have a shed (warehouse) where they store their machinery and ship apples, and if you "nigu" in that shed, you won't be affected by the weather. right.

It seems that people who really like nigu do it even in the dead of winter in their own sheds (warehouses), so in a sense it makes sense...Also, apple boxes can be used as tables and chairs. It's very Aomori-like and interesting.

Introducing recommended butcher shops

For BBQ in Aomori Prefecture, meat is procured from a butcher shop rather than a supermarket. Each person has a favorite butcher shop, and on holidays when the weather is nice, there can be long lines at the butcher shop.

As soon as you say, ``I'm going to eat meat today!'', you need to order meat from your favorite butcher. From here, we will introduce popular butcher shops in the Tsugaru area, where the "Nigu" culture remains strong.

Mizuki butcher shop

Mizuki Butcher Shop is popular in Hirakawa City, which promotes Nigu culture . This popular item is a mix of seasoned beef and pork offal. Long lines can form on holidays, so make a reservation by phone in advance before going to pick it up.

Information

• Name: Mizuki Butcher Co., Ltd.
• Location: 79-1 Inamida, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture
• Phone number: 0172-44-2566
• URL: Mizuki Butcher Shop HP
• Business hours: 7:00-19:00 (closed at 17:00 on 1/1, 1/2, 8/13, 8/14, and 12/31)
• Closed: Open all year round

Google Map

Meat pork gold (Kasai butcher shop)

Niku-no-Butakin , a 2-minute walk from Hiraga Station, is as popular as Mizuki Butcher Shop . This is a long-established butcher shop that was founded in 1939, and some people come from outside the city to enjoy its taste. The quality of the meat is great, and the sweet seasoning is addictive!

Information

• Name: Meat pork gold
• Location: 11-17 Kitayagida, Honmachi, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture
• Phone number: 0172-44-2035
• URL: Meat Porkkin HP
• Business hours: 8:00-18:00
• Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

Google Map

Kawamura butcher shop

Kawamura Butcher Shop , which has three stores in Hirosaki City, is also famous for its delicious horumon and sagari. We recently opened a BBQ & Farm Direct Market Ishikawa branch in Ishikawa, Hirosaki City that sells not only our proud meat, but also seafood and vegetables straight from the farm! If you come here, you'll find everything you need for BBQ, so be sure to give it a try.

Information

• Name: Kawamura Butcher Shop
• Location: 38 Oaza Oyakatacho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
• Phone number: 0172-32-3806
• URL: Kawamura Butcher Co., Ltd. HP
• Business hours: Varies depending on store
• Closed days: Varies depending on store

Google Map

summary

How was that? You will be surprised by the unique BBQ culture of Aomori Prefecture, which is rich in seafood and mountain products. Although pork offal and sagari have a peculiar taste, they are beloved ingredients by the people of Tsugaru. In the upcoming warm season, why not try ``nigu'' with your friends?