Kagoshima Tarumizu's Water and Food Culture | Japan's Natural Delicacies
Why is Japanese food so delicious?
There are various reasons, such as the ingredients, cooking techniques, and the bounty of the four seasons.
In fact, "water" is also one of the important factors.
Tarumizu City in Kagoshima Prefecture is known as a region blessed with rich nature overlooking Sakurajima and delicious water.
And that water supports Japanese food culture, including Japanese cuisine, green tea, rice, and fresh seafood.
This time, we will introduce the nature of Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, and the food culture nurtured by its water.
What is Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture?
Tarumizu City is located on the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture and is a naturally rich area overlooking Sakurajima across Kinko Bay.
Blessed with a warm climate, sea, mountains, and abundant water, agriculture and fisheries thrive.
It is also known as a production area for natural water and hot spring water, and a culture of living with nature has been passed down to this day.
Water supports Japanese food culture.
In Japan, water is not just a drink.
For example:
・Water for cooking rice
・Water for making dashi (soup stock)
・Water for brewing green tea
・Water used in cooking
It is used in various situations in daily meals.
It is said that the taste of dishes and drinks changes when the water changes.
Therefore, in Japan, a culture of valuing good water has been cultivated since ancient times.
Japanese soft water culture
Japan is a country with a globally high proportion of soft water.
Soft water is water with low mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium.
Generally, it is said to have the following characteristics:
・Smooth mouthfeel
・Minimal unique taste
・Enhances the flavor of ingredients
・Pairs well with Japanese cuisine
Therefore, Japanese food culture, including Japanese cuisine, green tea, dashi (soup stock), and rice, has developed alongside soft water.
For more details, please also refer to the related article:
Why do Japanese people prefer soft water? Explaining Japan's soft water culture.
Rich ingredients nurtured by Tarumizu's nature
Tarumizu City is an area surrounded by the sea and mountains.
In Kinko Bay, amberjack and yellowtail aquaculture is thriving.
In addition, many specialty products such as Kurobuta pork, tea, and fruits are produced.
It is precisely because of the rich nature and delicious water that Tarumizu's unique food culture has been nurtured.
If you want to know more about Tarumizu's amberjack, please refer to the related article:
Tarumizu's Proud Amberjack in Kagoshima | Japanese Food Culture Nurtured by Nature and Water
Natural Water Nurtured by the Shirasu Plateau
Beneath Tarumizu City lies a volcanic ash layer called the Shirasu Plateau.
Rainwater is naturally filtered over a long period, passing through:
Forests
↓
Soil
↓
Shirasu Plateau
↓
Deep underground
The natural water thus nurtured supports Tarumizu City's food culture and daily life.
For more details on the water culture of Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, please refer to the related article:
Tarumizu, Kagoshima, Nurturing Japan's Water Culture | The Birthplace of ONSENSUI99
ONSENSUI99 was also born in Tarumizu City
ONSENSUI99 is natural alkaline hot spring water collected from approximately 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Its hardness is 1.7mg/L.
It is an ultra-soft water with very low hardness, characterized by a mellow taste.
Therefore, it is used for various purposes such as:
・Daily drinking water
・Cooking rice
・Green tea
・Coffee
・Cooking
We want to deliver the blessings of nature as naturally as possible.
ONSENSUI99 was born from this desire.
For details on the water source and quality control, please also refer to the related article:
ONSENSUI99's Water Source and Quality Control | Reasons for Its Trusted Selection
Enjoy Japanese water and food culture in Thailand too
In Thailand, more and more people are enjoying Japanese cuisine and green tea.
By being a little particular not only about ingredients but also about water, you may be able to enjoy a more authentic Japanese taste.
Through ONSENSUI99, we aim to deliver not only water but also the nature of Kagoshima and Japanese food culture to Thailand.
Summary
Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a region blessed with Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, the Shirasu Plateau, and abundant nature.
The water nurtured by this nature supports Japanese food culture, including Japanese cuisine, green tea, rice, and fish dishes.
ONSENSUI99 was also born in the midst of Tarumizu's nature.
Understanding water.
Understanding food culture.
And understanding the nature behind it.
Perhaps that is also one way to enjoy the deliciousness of Japan.
