[Aomori Prefecture] Aomori is a hidden horse meat production area! Explain why horse meat culture has spread

Did you know that Aomori Prefecture is the second best horse meat after Kumamoto and Fukushima? While horse meat dishes such as horse sashimi and cherry blossoms are widely known, it is not surprising that Aomori is a famous horse meat. In this article, I will introduce the background of the spread of horse meat culture in Aomori and the secrets of its deliciousness.


Aomori is the second horse meat production area after Kumamoto and Fukushima! What is the reason?

Speaking of horse meat, Kumamoto and Fukushima prefectures are famous. However, Aomori Prefecture is the third largest horse meat production area! There is no image of horse meat in Aomori Prefecture, but why is it famous? I checked the reason.

The natural environment was suitable for breeding horses

Aomori had the optimal conditions for breeding horses due to its rich natural environment and moderate climate. A grass, which is indispensable for breeding horses, grew up nutritiously in fertile land in Aomori, and abundant water resources supported horse health. The horses, which were bred at a vast land, were the sources of providing healthy and high -quality horse meat.

In addition, it is said that the winter cold in Aomori reduces the fat of the horse moderately and makes it stand out. The benefits of nature are one of the reasons why Aomori is attracting attention as a horse -producing area.

Horse breeding culture since the Edo period

Towadakoma Festa
"Towada Koma Festa" held in Towada City

In Aomori, breeding of horses called southern horses has been actively used since the Edo period. Southern horses are not only used for farming and transportation, but also have become the mainstay of the equestrian army during the Warring States period. In this way, the horse played an essential role in Aomori's life and industry.

In Aomori, where demand as farm horses was high, the technology of breeding horses was inherited, and the culture was deeply rooted in the community. Even now, some areas of Aomori are developing racehorses, and the breeding culture of horses remains deeply.

Is the place name with "door" a remnant of a horse management system?

in Aomori and Iwate with " door ", but this is said to be a remnant of the former horse management system. Among them, Shichinohe and Gotohe are still active in horses, and racehorses are produced and developed. The locals inherit horse culture as a local characteristic while valuing coexistence with horses.


What is the background where horse meat culture has spread in Aomori?

So why did horse meat culture spread in Aomori?

Change as a food culture

horse sashimi
horse sashimi

In the Meiji era, horses used for farming and transportation began to be used for edible. In particular, as a nutritious food in cold regions, horse meat attracted attention as a valuable protein source. Horse meat is useful as a healthy ingredient that has low fat, rich in vitamins and iron, and seems to have been used in various dishes.

Thus, in Aomori, horse meat has blended into local food culture, and it has become popular as horse sashimi, stewed, and hot pot dishes.

Wisdom and ingenuity of the people of Aomori

Horse meat ramen
Horse meat ramen

The people of Aomori have been wisdom and ingenuity to eat horse meat deliciously.

For example, salted Takana is used for stewed horse meat. horse meat and Takana miso boils salted Takana and horse meat in miso . Salted Takana can be stored, so it is a perfect dish in winter when vegetables are scarce.

It is standard to cut fresh horse meat thinly and use garlic soy sauce or ginger soy sauce. The fat content is low and you can fully enjoy the taste of lean. Sukiyaki -style hot pot dishes using horse meat, "Sakuranabe" and stewed dishes, as well as horse meat ramen that combines horse meat with local popular miso ramen with plenty of ginger and garlic. In this way, horse meat is popular as a popular ingredient in Aomori.

The secret of the deliciousness of Aomori horse meat

Aomori horse meat is characterized by a lean with a lot of fat and healthy, while being healthy. Therefore, you can enjoy the refreshing taste and richness at the same time.

Aomori supplies fresh horse meat from the strengths of the production area, and is suitable for sashimi and hot pot dishes. Some local butcher shops can easily buy horse meat, and some people have grown up by eating horse sashimi and horses liver stabs from an early age. There is almost no smell when eating with horse sashimi, but it is exceptional to eat with Aomori's garlic -grated grated! Stewed dishes using horse hormones are also popular, and the feelings of Aomori citizens that use the ingredients carefully are reflected.


What is a local way to eat "Yoshitsune Nabe"?

Yoshitsune hot pot
Yoshitsune hot pot

If you enjoy horse meat dishes in Aomori, you can't remove Yoshitsune Nabe This local dish is a unique hot pot dish using horse meat and vegetables, and its name is derived from Yoshitsune Minamoto who traveled in Oshu. The shape of the pot is very unique, the center is a pot, and the surrounding area is an iron plate, so you can enjoy shabu -shabu and yakiniku together. The iron plate where you can enjoy yakiniku uses horse fat, so it has a sweet but refreshing taste. Shabu -shabu is so fresh that it can be eaten even raw, so just cook it quickly. Unlike cows and pigs, it's high protein and low calories, so it's nice to be able to eat even on a diet.

Yoshitsune Nabe can be enjoyed at izakaya and sightseeing spots centered on Gosho, so please try it when you visit Aomori.


summary

Aomori is an area that has a hidden charm as a horse meat production area after Kumamoto and Fukushima. Aomori's unique horse meat culture has been nurtured after the natural environment is suitable for breeding horses, the breeding culture of horses that have continued since the Edo period, and the turning point to food culture.

Aomori horse meat is characterized by a rich umami, despite its low fat and healthy. You can enjoy its deliciousness with various cooking methods, including the local dish "Yoshitsune Nabe". Be sure to experience Aomori's horse meat culture and experience the deep flavor.


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