A summer tradition! We'll introduce you to some delicious recipes while unraveling the history of somen noodles!

Somen noodles are an essential part of the Japanese diet, representing the summer season. Their refreshing taste and delicate flavor make many people crave them in the summer

In this article, we will explore the history of somen noodles and introduce recipes that will bring out their full flavor

The history of somen noodles

the origin of somen noodles ?

The origins of somen date back to the Nara period. At that time, "sakubei," which is said to be the predecessor of somen, was introduced from China. Sakubei is made by kneading glutinous rice and wheat flour into long, thin strips and deep frying them, and is similar to modern-day youtiao. This sakubei was brought to Japan and improved in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and is said to have taken on the form of somen that we know today

The origin of the name somen

Somen was called by different names such as "sakubei" and "sakumen." The name "somen" became widespread during the Muromachi period, and the Gion Shikko Nikki from 1343 contains a description of "Tamba somen." This shows that the name somen had become established

From the Muromachi period to the Edo period

During the Muromachi period, somen noodles were enjoyed using cooking methods called "steamed wheat" or "heat steamed." There was a custom of eating sakumochi at the Imperial Court during the Tanabata festival. In the Edo period, the custom of offering somen noodles on Tanabata became common, and the modern style of eating them chilled was established

Classification and manufacturing method of somen

Hand-pulled somen noodles and machine-pulled somen noodles

Somen noodles can be broadly categorized into two types depending on the manufacturing method. "Hand-stretched somen" are made by adding salt and water to wheat flour, kneading it, and then stretching it by hand while drying it. This traditional manufacturing method creates a smooth and chewy texture. On the other hand, "machine-made somen" are made by machine, which allows for mass production compared to hand-stretched somen

Differences between JAS standards and thickness

The Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) define the thickness of somen noodles. Noodles with a diameter of less than 1.3 mm are classified as somen, those between 1.3 mm and 1.7 mm as hiyamugi, and those over 1.7 mm as udon. These standards highlight the thinness of somen noodles, allowing you to enjoy their delicate texture

Various ways to eat

Here we will introduce various ways to eat somen noodles

Chilled somen noodles

The most common way to eat somen is chilled. Boiled somen noodles are thoroughly rinsed in cold water to remove any slime. The noodles are then cooled in ice water and dipped in mentsuyu (men-tsuyu soup). Condiments such as chopped green onions, grated ginger, sesame seeds, and myoga (Japanese ginger) go well with somen noodles. Garnishes such as shredded egg, tomatoes, and shrimp add a colorful touch and stimulate the appetite

Nyumen

Nyumen is recommended for the cold season. It is made by dipping boiled somen noodles in warm soup, allowing the flavorful broth to soak into the noodles. Adding chicken and vegetables makes it well-balanced in terms of nutrition and warms the body

Nagashi somen

Nagashi somen is a summer tradition. Nagashi somen is a unique way of eating noodles, where noodles are allowed to flow down a bamboo channel and then eaten by catching them with chopsticks. It is an event that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Enjoying it with friends and family makes the meal even more enjoyable

Variations of Somen

Matcha somen and plum somen

There are many variations of somen noodles. They are visually vibrant and offer a variety of flavors, such as "matcha somen" made with matcha green tea and "ume somen" made with pickled plums. These somen noodles will add a touch of elegance to your dining table on special occasions

Suizenji Seaweed Somen

"Suizenji Nori Somen" is made with Suizenji nori, a specialty of Kumamoto, and is characterized by its unique flavor and chewy texture. Beautiful looking somen noodles also make a great gift

To enjoy somen noodles even more

Because of its simplicity, somen noodles can be enjoyed in combination with a variety of ingredients. It's fun to create your own somen recipe by incorporating seasonal vegetables and seafood, or by making your own original soup. Learning about the history and culture of somen noodles will help you appreciate their deliciousness even more

The appeal of somen lies in its deep history and the diverse ways in which it can be eaten. This summer, why not enjoy somen noodles while also thinking about their history?