For decades, we have had to be content with “reasonably tasty” sushi rice grown in other countries as a substitute for Japanese rice. However, during a visit to Japan in the summer of 2022, the fluffy and sweet Japanese rice produced in Osaki Koudo made our whole family exclaim, “Delicious!” That experience inspired us to bring this rice to the UK so that people can enjoy the real taste of Japanese rice.
For Japanese people, rice is more than just a meal; it is also often eaten on its own. There was a time when people would just roll rice into a ball, add a bit of salt, and take it as a packed lunch. Yes, I’m talking about onigiri, which has recently become a trend worldwide. (By the way, you don’t always need seaweed paper for onigiri!)
Such Japanese rice has been bred for a long time in response to the local climate, for disaster prevention, and for taste. It is sweet and becomes sweeter the more you chew. It has a chewy texture, providing a satisfying bite. And most importantly, it is still delicious even when cold which is convenient and crucial for packed lunch. Japanese rice belongs to the Japonica variety, but due to the decades of breeding, it tastes quite different from the Japonica rice grown outside Japan.
Sushi, which has recently gained popularity, relies heavily on rice as a key ingredient. If the base is good, sushi can become even more delicious, and there will be more fans of Japanese cuisine. Miyagi’s Hitomebore and Sasanishiki are both renowned sought-after rice varieties in Japan. Japanese Rice Shop, in partnership with East Farm Miyagi, delivers to you some of the best rice from Japan, made by rice-making enthusiasts! Enjoy!
Registered office: 104 Waldegrave, Basildon, Essex , SS16 5EH, UK