Imagine patrolling the basement of a department store (food floor) with a bowl and chopsticks in hand, bowl and bowl of freshly cooked rice...

This "rice accompaniment" recommendation project was born from the editors' dreamlike imagination.

This time, we're patrolling the food section on the first basement floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, where food trends from all over the country come together! For our first installment, we've selected A-Zen's "Umeboshi NIPPON," a classic "rice accompaniment": umeboshi.

These umeboshi, with their moderate acidity and sweetness, and large, juicy flesh, are made from organically grown Nankou plums that have been composted and pickled in natural salt, and then individually dried for three days and three nights during the dog days of summer at the end of July. Committed to using no additives, you can enjoy the natural deliciousness that brings out the original flavor of the ingredients.




I also love the adorable packaging, which is carefully wrapped like jam.
It has a long shelf life, so I recommend it as a gift.


Umeboshi NIPPON

In the coming season, they will likely come in handy as a refreshing seasoning for salads, somen noodles, and other dishes.
Start by crushing one umeboshi, little by little, and enjoying it with hot rice.