Ichinoseki's 'western veggie' project

In 2013, the mayor of Ichinoseki City explored the markets of Ferney-Voltaire in Eastern France and encountered several unfamiliar vegetables, with the artichoke making the most significant impression. He inquired about how to eat it and learned that the ‘petals’ can be eaten like a snack. This introduction to a new culinary experience and the expectation of increased demand if the International Linear Collider was constructed were reasons Ichinoseki initiated the ‘Seiyo Yasai project’ or ‘Western Vegetable project’ in 2017. ‘Seiyo Yasai’ refers to vegetables recently introduced to Japan from Europe and the United States. Examples include artichoke, Brussels sprouts, beets, chicory, mints, parsley, and leeks. ‘Western vegetables’ commonly found in Japan, like tomatoes, cabbage, and potatoes, are not part of this category.

The Ichinoseki City Southern Agricultural Technology Development Center, together with the city’s 4-H club consisting of young farmers, leads the project aimed at boosting Seiyo Yasai production. The center has experimented with cultivating 60 varieties, including artichokes, beets, fennel, Brussels sprouts, herbs like rosemary, an assortment of leafy greens such as kale and Swiss chard, eggplants of various shapes and colors, cauliflower, broccoli, and peppers. Several 4-H farmers are also growing different types and selling them to restaurants.

By featuring these vegetables at farming festivals and incorporating them into dishes at local restaurants, the residents of Ichinoseki are becoming familiar with the unique produce. In December 2019, Yoichi Harada, the head chef at Asahiya restaurant in Ichinoseki, organized a tasting event using various Seiyo Yasai cultivated in Ichinoseki. During this event, he presented 18 types of dishes, including mousse, winter vegetable pot, pickled vegetables, and gratin, with shallots as a secret ingredient in his sauce.

Shallots and leeks are among the top choices for increased scale of production. Shallot seedlings are currently being prepared for distribution to 4-H members. The Southern Agricultural Technology Development Center will host a viewing of their farm to show where the vegetables are grown, what the vegetables are and demonstrate how the vegetables can be cooked.

In this way, Ichinoseki City is making preparations to welcome the International Linear Collider, in terms of food as well!

Originally written for the Kitakami Times: https://www.iwate-ilc.jp/eng/ktimes/a-vegetable-project-to-welcome-the-ilc/

Recent event pamphlet Up to Aug 31 2021

西洋野菜フェアチラシ.pdf

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