PROJECT Tonburi

Oct 2, 2023 | Kitchen PROJECTS, Summer

PROJECT TONBURI

Tonburi, the seeds of the broom plant, are tiny and black-green in color. Because they mimic the appearance and mouthfeel of sturgeon caviar tonburi is often referred to as  hataké no kyabia (“caviar of the field”).  Akita prefecture in the Tohoku produces most of Japan’s commercial crop.

Tonburi is sold in vacuum-sealed pouches and in small glass jars. Store in a cool, dark, dry spot until opening. After opening, refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.

 

Using TONBURI

Inhabitants of the Tohoku region enjoy tonburi in three ways:

  • aé mono: tossed in with other foodstuffs
  • mazé mono: mixed with other foodstuffs
  • chirasu mono: scattered over other foodstuffs

If you are able to source tonburi, try using as a topping for tōfu, rice or noodles (Japanese sōmen, soba or any pasta)… or toss with rice and shape into onigiri… or, serve with vegetables.

To get you started, DOWNLOAD this reference sheet for Using TONBURI

 

Learn about TONBURI caviar of the fields by visiting my Kitchen Culture blog.

Read my October 2023 newsletter.

PROJECT Crunchy, Spicy Cucumbers

PROJECT Crunchy, Spicy Cucumbers

The catergory of foods known as tsukémono runs the gamut from sokuseki ("impatient") and asazuké (lightly pickled) to furuzuké (literally "old" or overly pickled) foods that are intensely-flavored and/or deeply fermented. There are dozens of kinds of cucumber...

PROJECT: Ika Yaki

PROJECT: Ika Yaki

Gingery griddle-seared squid, IKA YAKI イカ焼き is a favorite summer festival food sold thoughout Japan at yatai food stalls. Visit the Summer Festival Food: YATAI post for more information about summer festivals and the food sold at yatai stalls. This Kitchen PROJECT is...

Summer Festival Food: YATAI

Summer Festival Food: YATAI

Throughout Japan summertime is a time for natsu matsuri: summer festivals. And that means hanabi 花火 (fireworks), mikoshi 神輿 (portable Shinto shrines paraded through the streets during festivals), and bon odori 盆おどりdancing in addition to yatai 屋台 food stalls. Lilting...

Hand-Stretched Noodles

Hand-Stretched Noodles

Hand-Stretched Noodles  手延べ素麺 TÉNOBÉ SŌMEN As the heat and humidity of summer settles in, appetites begin to wane. That’s when chilled sōmen noodles provide solace. Indeed, sōmen have been refreshing heat-weary Japanese since at least the 8th century. Sōmen noodles...

Recent Posts & Projects