Tamba Sasayama Rice: The Secret Behind Its Delicious Flavor
Tamba Sasayama is located in a basin surrounded by mountains. This makes it possible to cultivate a wide range of specialty food products as the climate has notable differences in temperatures during the day and night. The highly-prized Tamba Sasayama rice is one of these local specialties made using pure water from clear mountain streams.
The Koshihikari variety is the most commonly grown rice in Tamba Sasayama. The producers are especially particular about creating rice that is not only delicious but also of the highest quality. Dedication of time, energy, and effort into growing this big-name rice brand guarantees it will have a rich flavor.
In the Tamba Sasayama countryside, the rice paddies are located right beside the mountains, ensuring the crops will receive plenty of sunlight during the day. The resulting photosynthesis allows for the starch to be stored in the rice kernel.
In the evening, cool winds from the mountains blow over the rice husks, condensing the flavor of the starch. The repetition of this daily cycle creates superior, high-quality rice.
Local Dishes Using Tasty Tamba Sasayama Rice
With an altitude exceeding 200 meters, the highlands of Tamba Sasayama have yearly average temperatures similar to the northern Tohoku region.
This area is also where many rivers originate, including the Kakogawa River, which runs through central Hyogo, and the Mukogawa River that passes through Hyogo's southeast region. The clear, pure water from these waterways results in a rich, fertile countryside.
You'll never grow tired of this rice that's bursting with sweetness. This grain is also featured in a myriad of local dishes, such as kuri gohan (steamed chestnut rice), kuro edamame rice (black edamame rice), and tororo rice (grated mountain yam over rice). It pairs perfectly with Tamba Sasayama's other specialties.
The highlight of the area occurs just before the harvest period. Visitors can see golden fields of rice gently blowing in the breeze with the picturesque mountains in the background.
Delight in both the rice and the surrounding pastoral landscape during your visit to Tamba Sasayama. You'll experience an authentic Japanese hometown that will soothe your soul.
