Kanpachi from Tarumizu, Kagoshima | Japanese Food Culture Nurtured by Nature and Water
Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
This region, overlooking Sakurajima,
is blessed with abundant nature and beautiful scenery,
and is also known as the "City of Water."
And,
one of Tarumizu City's representative local specialties is
Kanpachi (amberjack).
Fresh and fatty,
Kanpachi is popular in restaurants and homes nationwide.
Behind its deliciousness lies
Tarumizu's rich natural environment and
food culture nurtured by water.
This time,
we will introduce the charm of Kanpachi from Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, and
its relationship with nature and water.
What is Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture?
Tarumizu City is
located on the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture,
a nature-rich region overlooking Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.
Blessed with the sea,
mountains,
hot springs,
and abundant water,
agriculture and fisheries have flourished there since ancient times.
Additionally,
underground,
there is a volcanic ash layer called Shirasu Plateau,
making it known as a production area for natural water and hot spring water.
A culture that values nature's blessings
is still deeply rooted in the region.
Tarumizu City is one of Japan's leading amberjack farming areas.
Kagoshima Prefecture is known
as one of Japan's leading amberjack farming areas.
Among these,
the area around Tarumizu City,
blessed with the calm waters of Kinko Bay and a warm climate,
has an ideal environment for amberjack farming.
Amberjack raised in clear waters has firm flesh
and is characterized by its moderate fat and refined umami.
It is enjoyed in various dishes, such as
sashimi,
sushi,
shabu-shabu,
and carpaccio.
Deliciousness nurtured by abundant nature
The appeal of Tarumizu City is not
just the sea.
Mountains spread behind it,
along with abundant forests and
the Shirasu Plateau.
Rainwater is naturally filtered over a long period
through forests
↓
soil
↓
Shirasu Plateau
↓
deep underground.
This natural environment supports
the region's water and food culture.
If you would like to know more about the water culture of Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture,
[Related article]
Kagoshima, Tarumizu: Nurturing Japan's Water Culture | Where ONSENSUI99 was Born
please take a look.
The relationship between Japanese food culture and water
In Japan,
water is not just a drink.
Rice,
dashi,
green tea,
and Japanese cuisine.
Water plays an important role in all of them.
The soft water preferred by Japanese people
is said to have a smooth mouthfeel and enhance the flavor of ingredients.
Therefore,
it pairs well with fish dishes,
supporting Japanese food culture.
Regarding Japan's soft water culture,
[Related article]
Why do Japanese people prefer soft water? Explaining Japan's soft water culture.
also provides detailed information.
ONSENSUI99 was also born in Tarumizu City.
ONSENSUI99 is
natural alkaline hot spring water sourced from approximately 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Water naturally filtered over a long period becomes ultra-soft water with a very low hardness of 1.7 mg/L.
It is characterized by its mellow taste and is widely used not only as daily drinking water, but also for
・cooking rice
・green tea
・coffee
・cooking
ONSENSUI99 was also born
in the natural environment that supports Tarumizu's food culture, including amberjack.
If you would like to know more about the water source and quality control,
[Related article]
ONSENSUI99 Water Source and Quality Control: Reasons to Choose with Confidence
please take a look.
Kagoshima's Food Culture Can Also Be Enjoyed in Thailand
In Thailand,
Japanese food is also very popular.
There are increasing opportunities to experience Kagoshima's food culture, with
sushi,
sashimi,
shabu-shabu,
and Japanese restaurants.
By being particular not only about ingredients but also about water,
you may be able to enjoy a more authentic Japanese taste.
Through ONSENSUI99,
we want to deliver not only water but also Kagoshima's nature and food culture to Thailand.
Summary
Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a region nurtured by
Sakurajima,
Kinko Bay,
the Shirasu Plateau,
and abundant nature.
The amberjack raised in this natural environment
is one of Japan's representative food cultures.
And ONSENSUI99,
born in the same Tarumizu region, also inherits the blessings of nature and water culture.
Enjoying food.
Enjoying water.
Knowing the nature behind it.
Perhaps that is also
the charm of Japanese food culture.
■ Related Articles
・What's the difference between soft and hard water?
・Does green tea change with water?
・Reasons why water habits can improve your life
