IHATOV, tastes from the earth

IHATOV, tastes from the earth

 Rice, Millet and Wanko Soba

Organic Rice

　Many Hanamaki farmers grow rice using organic compost and less agrichemicals. Their rice, “Hitomebore”, is rated as one of the best in Japan. The rice is tasty served hot or cold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Millet

　In this health-conscious society, many people are interested in the nutritional value of millet. Hanamaki leads Japan in millet production. Try eating millet mixed in rice, or use it to make sweets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wanko Soba

　This unique style of serving noodles originates from a 400-year-old story about Toshinao, lord of the Nambu clan. When he called in to Hanamaki Castle, he asked for his bowl to be refilled with soba many times. Ten bowls of Wanko Soba is the same amount as one ordinary serving. You can take your time and eat it slowly with side dishes or challenge yourself to see how many bowls you can eat.
The All Japan Wanko Soba Contest is held on February 11th in Hanamaki.

 

 

 

 

 

Fruit

Apples

　Surrounded by the Ou and Kitakami mountain ranges, Hanamaki’s climate and soil make it one of the best places to grow apples in Iwate, a major apple-producing prefecture. Taste varieties such as Jonagold, Orin, Kio and Fuji.

 

 

 

 

 

La France

　La France, a type of pear, isoften described as the queen of fruits. Despite its plain appearance, its texture, aroma and sweetness make it a favorite autumn fruit.

 

 

 

Grapes

　Enjoy varieties such as Delaware, Campbell, Beniizu and Kyoho in the home of Edel Wein.

 

 

 

 

 

Meat

Japanese beef

　Raised in Hanamaki with its cool climate and clear water, chefs rate this beef as first class. The fine, marbled beef is well-suited for steak and shabushabu (sliced beef slightly boiled with vegetables).

 

 

 

Branded Pork

　This premium-brand pork, raised under strict quality controls, is highly praised for its quality and flavor throughout Japan.

 

 

 

Flowers

Gentians and Orchids

　Gentian, the representative flower of Iwate, is very popular in Japan, especially hybrids bred from Iwate’s local varieties. Odontoglossum, a kind of orchid not well known in Japan, is also grown in Iwate.

 

Dairy Products

Yogurt

　This yogurt is made from the milk of Holstein and Brown Swiss cows and has a rich, balanced flavor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheese

　Enjoy handmade cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella and smoked varieties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Products

Pickled Vegetables

　Hanamaki has its own distinctive kinds of pickled vegetables. Lightly salted pickles are popular among the health-conscious. A pickle-making program is available.

 

 

Miso • Tofu

　Hanamaki’s popular handmade miso and tofu are made from local soy beans and malt. Some people believe that miso and tofu fermented to the accompaniment of classical music is tastier. Come and find out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Japanese Sweets

　Hanamaki offers a wide variety of sweets: traditional sweets with more than 70 years of history, western-influenced confectionary and farmers’ handmade sweets.

 

 

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