[Japan's healthy superfood!] Explaining the appeal of "konjac"!

Konjac is currently gaining popularity as a healthy food, especially in Europe and the United States.

Do you all know?

Recently, exports from Japan to overseas have been increasing.

This time, we will explore the appeal of "konjac"!

Photo by Mari Hamada

Introducing the different types of konjac

When you hear the word "konjac," what do you imagine?

In fact, there are many different types of konnyaku.

① Konjac Sheets

It is shaped and hardened on a board during production. It can be cut in a way that suits the purpose of the dish. Blackboard konnyaku is preferred in the Kansai region, while whiteboard konnyaku is preferred in Tohoku and Hokkaido, where konnyaku potatoes have not been grown for a long time.

② Ball konnyaku

Konnyaku is made by rolling it into balls and boiling it, without using a mold to form it. Like ita konnyaku, there are white and black konnyaku, as well as colorful varieties that contain chili peppers, seaweed, sesame, etc., and it can be added as is to simmered dishes or oden to add an accent to the dish.

3. Shirataki (thread konnyaku)

Konnyaku is made into a thin, string-like shape. Konnyaku made from refined flour resembles a waterfall of white threads, and is also called "shirataki." The flavors are absorbed in a short time, making it ideal for sukiyaki and other dishes.

The appeal of konjac: 1. Low calorie, zero sugar, the ultimate diet food

Konnyaku is low in calories, has zero carbohydrates, and contains no gluten.

It has a unique elastic texture and is very satisfying to eat, making it a versatile food for people on diets as well as vegans who do not eat animal products.

Also, if you incorporate konnyaku into your regular cooking, you can reduce the amount of sugar and fat in your diet. Konnyaku is a savior-like ingredient that you can eat without feeling guilty and without having to reduce the amount you eat.

The appeal of konjac②It's not just for dieting! Rich in dietary fiber and calcium

Konnyaku is 97% water and the remaining 3% is dietary fiber, so eating it improves your intestinal environment and helps relieve constipation.

Not only that, konjac contains half the calcium as milk, making it a very nutritious food, which is another reason for its popularity.

In this way, konjac is a "superfood" that is perfect for taking in nutrients such as dietary fiber and calcium without increasing calories!

The appeal of konjac 3: You can use it in a variety of recipes, from main dishes to side dishes and desserts!

One of the charms of konnyaku is that it can be used freely in a variety of dishes.

There are lots of low-calorie and delicious recipes!

For more information, please check out the Japan Konjac Association's Instagram and website!

Official Instagram

Official website