Is shiso-wrapped apricot only found in Aomori and Akita prefectures? Here's how to make it and some recipe variations

" Apricot wrapped in shiso leaves " has been a staple on our dinner table since I was a child

However, once you leave Tohoku, opportunities to encounter "shiso-wrapped apricots" suddenly decrease. Upon investigation, it turns out that shiso-wrapped apricots are a local specialty of the Tohoku region, mainly in Aomori and Akita prefectures

In this article, we will explain why shiso-wrapped apricots are so popular in Aomori and Akita. We will also introduce how to make shiso-wrapped apricots and some recipe variations, so please read to the end

What is shiso-wrapped apricot?

Shiso-wrapped apricots are a traditional local dish that has been enjoyed in Aomori and Akita prefectures for a long time

As the name suggests, it is made by wrapping sweet and sour apricots in shiso leaves, and the refreshing flavor of shiso and the tart sweetness of the apricots are a perfect match

It's not only served as a snack with tea or as a pickle, but it's also sometimes used as a filling for rice balls. Some hotels and inns even serve apricots wrapped in shiso leaves for breakfast, and apparently some tourists buy them to take home... It's a comforting, nostalgic taste, isn't it?

Incidentally, a related product is "Shiso-maki Umezuke," which is pickled plums wrapped in shiso leaves. This is a very sour accompaniment to rice

Why is it so popular in the Tohoku region, including Akita and Aomori? Explaining the reasons

Why is "shiso-wrapped apricot" only eaten in Akita and Aomori prefectures? Upon investigation, it turns out there are several factors at play, including the region's history, food culture, and methods of sourcing ingredients

Aomori Prefecture is a major producer of shiso and apricots

Akita and Aomori are regions characterized by cold climates, which are suitable for the production of certain agricultural products

Apricots are a crop that thrives in cool climates and are widely cultivated in Aomori and Nagano prefectures. Aomori prefecture is also a major producer of shiso (perilla), which explains why these are used as ingredients in "shiso-wrapped apricots."

In Aomori and Akita prefectures, where winters are long, food is often dried to preserve it, and apricots have long been used as a preserved food after being dried

It is believed that "shiso-wrapped apricots" originated from the development of food preservation techniques unique to snowy regions, as well as the thriving production of apricots and shiso (perilla)

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

Which is which: the "Yasuke Ume" (a kind of apricot with the word "plum" in its name) or the "Bungo" (a genuine plum)? [Aomori Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/10101

Aomori Prefecture boasts two main specialties: plums and apricots. Their plump, ripe appearance reflects the richness of the local environment. However, in Aomori, there are actually apricots called "ume" (plums) and plums not called "anzu" (plums)... Even locals can be a little confused by the complicated situation surrounding plums and apricots. This article will explore these Aomori specialties, plums and apricots, and some interesting facts about them. We hope this will be an opportunity for you to learn more about the flavors of our region. What is the difference between plums and apricots? First, let's look at the difference between plums and apricots, a difference that seems obvious but is often misunderstood...

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Incidentally, it seems that "shiso-wrapped apricots" are also eaten in Nagano Prefecture, in addition to Tohoku. Nagano Prefecture is also a snowy region and one of the leading apricot producing areas in Japan, so it's likely that shiso-wrapped apricots originated there for similar reasons

When you think about it, the food cultures of Tohoku and Nagano are somewhat similar, aren't they?

Materials are difficult to obtain nationwide

Another reason why "shiso-wrapped apricots" are only eaten in Akita and Aomori prefectures is the issue of ingredient distribution and lack of recognition

Ingredients such as perilla leaves and dried apricots are not widely distributed throughout Japan, and because freshness is especially important for perilla leaves, consumption tends to be limited to the local area

Furthermore, since shiso-wrapped apricots are a traditional food specific to a particular region, their existence is not widely known in other areas

This likely limited its opportunities to spread to other regions, strengthening its position as a local food of Akita and Aomori

How to make shiso wrapped apricots

To make "Shiso-wrapped Apricots," first gather the necessary ingredients. The basic ingredients and method are as follows:

When making shiso-wrapped apricots, it's important to wrap the shiso leaves tightly so that the apricots don't spill out

Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by changing the soaking time of the dried apricots in sugar water

Introducing three recipes for shiso-wrapped apricots

"Shiso-wrapped apricots" are often served as pickles or with tea, but you can actually enjoy them in a variety of ways!

If you've made too much "shiso-wrapped apricot" or want to know other ways to eat it, please try the variations I'll introduce below

Coated with chocolate

Let's try coating "Shiso-wrapped Apricots" with chocolate. Just like Sachertorte, chocolate and apricots are a perfect match! The refreshing flavor of shiso and the sweetness of chocolate are an exquisite match, making it a delicious Western-style snack

Yogurt topping

Try finely chopping "Shiso-wrapped Apricots" and topping them on yogurt. The aroma of the shiso and the tartness of the apricots will add a nice accent to the yogurt. You can also add them to pancakes or waffles for a unique flavor

Mix with cream cheese

Try finely chopping shiso-wrapped apricots and mixing them with cream cheese. It makes a great dessert, and also makes a great snack to go with alcohol

summary

Shiso-wrapped apricots are a traditional snack that has been enjoyed for many years in Aomori and Akita prefectures. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try adding various variations and enjoy creating your own unique shiso-wrapped apricots

Hana Odagiri

A woman who loves drinking and grew up on the delicious food of Aomori. A web writer who loves cooking, alcohol, and manga