Aomori is a hidden horse meat production area! Explaining why horse meat culture has become popular

Did you know that Aomori Prefecture is the third largest producer of horse meat after Kumamoto and Fukushima? While horse meat dishes such as horse sashimi and sakura nabe are widely known, it is surprisingly little known that Aomori is also a hidden horse meat production area. In this article, we will take a closer look at the background of how horse meat culture spread in Aomori and the secret behind its deliciousness

Aomori is the third largest producer of horse meat after Kumamoto and Fukushima! What's the reason?

When it comes to horse meat, Kumamoto and Fukushima prefectures are famous. However, Aomori prefecture is the third largest producer of horse meat in Japan! Aomori prefecture doesn't have the image of horse meat, so why is it so famous? We looked into the reason

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

[Fukushima Prefecture] Aizu's "horse sashimi" is delicious! Introducing restaurants that recommend horse meat dishes

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/8625

When you think of a famous place for horse meat dishes and basashi, what comes to mind? In fact, the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture is a hidden specialty of horse meat dishes. It's a region where you can eat delicious basashi. This time, we'll introduce recommended restaurants and butcher shops in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture where you can enjoy delicious horse meat dishes. The more you chew, the more you can taste the deliciousness of the meat. Why is basashi so famous in the Aizu region? The Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture is a region where horse meat dishes are widely eaten. Many people may think of Kumamoto Prefecture when they think of a famous place for basashi. However, in Fukushima...

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The natural environment was suitable for raising horses

Aomori, with its rich natural environment and moderate climate, had the perfect conditions for raising horses. The pasture grass essential for raising horses grew rich in nutrients in Aomori's fertile soil, and the abundant water resources supported the health of the horses. Furthermore, the horses, raised freely on the vast land, became a source of healthy, high-quality horse meat

Furthermore, it is said that the cold winters in Aomori moderately reduce the fat in horses, bringing out the delicious flavor of their red meat. These natural blessings are one of the reasons why Aomori is attracting attention as a horse meat producing region

Horse breeding culture dating back to the Edo period

In Aomori, breeding of horses known as Nanbu horses has been popular since the Edo period. Nanbu horses were not only used for farming and transportation, but also served as the mainstay of the cavalry during the Sengoku period. In this way, horses played an essential role in Aomori's life and industry

In Aomori, where there was a high demand for farm horses, the techniques for raising horses were passed down and the culture became deeply rooted in the region. Even today, racehorses are bred in some parts of Aomori, and the horse-raising culture remains strong

Are place names containing "to" a remnant of the horse management system?

in Aomori and Iwate that contain the character " to ," and it is said that this is a remnant of the horse management system of the past. Among these, Shichinohe and Gonohe are still thriving horse breeding areas, producing and raising racehorses. The local people treasure their coexistence with horses and have passed down their horse culture as a distinctive feature of the region.

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

What is the mystery of the "place names that take place from the door" from Ichinohe to Kunohe? Explore the origins of place names in the numbers scattered throughout the former southern territory!

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/32507

The area stretching from the Sanpachi-Kamikita region of Aomori Prefecture to northern Iwate Prefecture was once the vast territory of the Nanbu domain, known as Nukanobu. Within this region, there are place names beginning with "To" (he), numbered from Ichinohe to Kunohe. These "To" characters, which are not found in other regions, remain in the names of cities, towns, and villages to this day, with the exception of Shinohe. However, there are various theories about their origin, and the truth is not fully understood. In this article, we will introduce various theories about the origin of place names beginning with "To." The "To" characters scattered throughout the former Nanbu domain...

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What is the background behind the spread of horse meat culture in Aomori?

So why did horse meat culture become so popular in Aomori?

A turning point in food culture

During the Meiji period, horses, which had been used for farming and transportation, began to be used for food. In particular, in cold regions where nutritious foods were in demand, horse meat attracted attention as a valuable source of protein. Horse meat is low in fat and rich in vitamins and iron, making it a valuable healthy ingredient, and it seems to have been used in a variety of dishes

Due to this background, horse meat has become an integral part of the local food culture in Aomori, and is popular in the form of horse sashimi, stews, and hot pot dishes

The wisdom and ingenuity of the people of Aomori

The people of Aomori have accumulated wisdom and ingenuity in making horse meat delicious

For example, salted takana is used in horse meat stews. In Goshogawara City, where horse meat culture remains strong, the " horse meat and takana miso stew " is famous, in which salted takana and horse meat are stewed in miso. Salted takana can be preserved for a long time, so it is a perfect dish for winter when vegetables are scarce.

Basashi is made by thinly slicing fresh horse meat and eating it with garlic soy sauce or ginger soy sauce. It is low in fat, allowing you to fully enjoy the umami of the lean meat. Horse meat is also used in sukiyaki-style hot pot dishes such as "Sakura Nabe" and stews, as well as horse meat ramen, a popular local dish that combines horse meat with miso ramen, which is rich in ginger and garlic. In this way, horse meat is a popular ingredient in Aomori

The secret to the deliciousness of Aomori horse meat

Aomori horse meat is characterized by its lean, healthy lean meat that is packed with umami, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing taste and rich flavor at the same time

Additionally, Aomori's strength as a production area allows it to supply extremely fresh horse meat, which is suitable for sashimi and hot pot dishes. Horse meat is easily available at local butchers, and some people have been eating horse sashimi and horse liver sashimi since childhood. There is almost no odor when eaten as horse sashimi, but it is exceptional when eaten with sliced ​​or grated garlic from Aomori! Stews using horse innards are also popular, and they reflect the Aomori people's commitment to using ingredients carefully

What is "Yoshitsune Nabe," a unique local way of eating it?

If you're looking to enjoy horse meat dishes in Aomori, Yoshitsune Nabe . This unique local dish is made with horse meat and vegetables, and its name comes from Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who traveled to Oshu. The pot has a very unique shape, with a pot in the center and a hot plate around it, allowing you to enjoy shabu-shabu and yakiniku together. The hot plate where the yakiniku is served is made with horse fat, which gives it a sweet yet refreshing taste. Shabu-shabu is so fresh that it can be eaten raw, so all you need to do is quickly cook it. Unlike beef or pork, horse meat is high in protein and low in calories, making it great for those on a diet.

Yoshitsune nabe can be enjoyed at izakayas and tourist spots, mainly in Gonohe, so be sure to try it when you visit Aomori

summary

Aomori is a hidden gem as a horse meat producing region, third only to Kumamoto and Fukushima. With a natural environment suited to raising horses, and a horse breeding culture that has continued since the Edo period, and a period of transition into a food culture, Aomori's unique horse meat culture has been nurtured

Aomori horse meat is low in fat and healthy, yet boasts a rich, umami flavor. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including the local dish "Yoshitsune Nabe." Be sure to experience Aomori's horse meat culture and experience its profound flavor

Hana Odagiri

A drinking lady who grew up eating delicious food from Aomori. She is a web writer who loves cooking, drinking, and manga.