The charm of the auspicious "kuwai" and how to eat it deliciously

This time, we will introduce you to arrowheads, which are often seen in New Year's dishes. With their image as auspicious buds, arrowheads are considered the perfect ingredient for the beginning of the year. We will introduce the appeal of arrowheads and delicious ways to eat them

Characteristics and origin of arrowhead

Arrowheads are underground corms of perennial plants grown in rice paddies, and their sturdy buds are known as auspicious vegetables. They are widely used in New Year's dishes because the buds symbolize growth and prosperity

Types of Arrowhead

The green kuwai, which has a bluish outer skin, is the most commonly seen in the market. Other varieties include the rich-tasting Suita kuwai produced in Suita, and the large white kuwai produced in China

Arrowhead season and how to choose it

The best time to buy arrowheads is from autumn to winter, with December being the peak shipping month. At this time, arrowheads taste the best. When choosing arrowheads, look for ones with firm buds and no blemishes on the surface. Avoid ones with a dry or swollen skin

Nutritional value and effects of arrowhead

Although arrowhead is primarily composed of carbohydrates, it is rich in phosphorus and vitamin B1 among root vegetables. These nutrients aid in energy metabolism and are effective in recovering from fatigue

How to eat arrowhead deliciously

Arrowheads can be used in stews to take advantage of their shape, or grated and deep-fried. Arrowhead crackers, thinly sliced ​​and deep-fried, are also enjoyed as a snack

Recipe: Boiled Arrowhead and Root Vegetables

We will introduce a stew using arrowheads, "Arrowhead and Root Vegetable Fukiyose-ni." Arrowheads are boiled to bring out their unique flavor, and they go perfectly with root vegetables such as lotus root and lily bulb

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Arrowhead...4 pieces
• Dashi...1 cup
• Alcohol...2 tablespoons
• Sugar and mirin...3 tablespoons each
• Light soy sauce...1 tablespoon
• Lotus root...approx. 20cm
• Lily root...(small) 4 pieces
• Shimeji mushrooms...1 pack
• Snow peas...50g
• Burdock root...approx. 8cm

procedure

1. Preparing the Arrowheads: Peel and boil the arrowheads, then simmer in dashi for 4-5 minutes. Add sake and sugar and simmer for 5-6 minutes, then add mirin and light soy sauce and simmer for a further 4-5 minutes.
2. Preparing the lotus root : Cut the lotus root into 8mm thick florets and place in vinegar water. Simmer with dashi, sugar, mirin, and light soy sauce.
3. Preparing the lily roots: Shape the lily roots and boil them in water with a little vinegar added, then simmer in dashi for 4-5 minutes.
4. Preparing the Shimeji Mushrooms : Remove the stems from the shimeji mushrooms, divide them into groups of 3-4, and quickly boil them in broth.
5. Preparing the burdock: Thinly slice the burdock and simmer in dashi.
6. Arrange all the ingredients in a colorful arrangement and garnish with lightly boiled snow peas.

summary

Arrowheads are an auspicious ingredient that is also used in New Year's dishes. Take advantage of their delicious flavor and characteristics and enjoy them in a variety of dishes. In particular, "Arrowhead and Root Vegetable Fukiyose Simmered" is a dish that allows you to enjoy the flavor and texture of the season