Soba (Buckwheat noodles) in Hokkaido ★★★
Hokkaido is a major soba (buckwheat noodles) producing region that accounts for 50% of the national production. The cool climate, characterized by significant temperature differences between morning and evening in the mountainous foothill areas, cultivates flavorful and delicious soba. Among them, Horokanai Town in the Kamikawa area has been the top producer in terms of cultivation area and production for many years. It is also known for cultivating a unique variety called "Honominori" widely within the town.
In addition to Horokanai Town, other famous soba-producing areas in Hokkaido include Asahikawa City, Otofuke Village, Shintoku Town, Shikaoi Town, Fukagawa City, Nayoro City, and more. The varieties cultivated vary by region.
Shintoku Soba Experience at Tokachi Sahoro Resort ★★★
Soba in Shintoku Town began cultivation concurrently with the town's development and is grown in fertile fields. The quality of the soba is enhanced by the cool night temperatures in the mountainous terrain.
The mainstream variety of soba in Hokkaido is Kitawase Soba, a summer type. Seeds are sown around June, flowering starts in late July, and harvesting takes place around September, when it becomes available as "new soba." From mid-July to mid-August, the white flowers of soba bloom along both sides of National Route 38, creating what is locally known as "Soba Road."
On the last Sunday of September each year, the Shintoku New Soba Festival is held, attracting soba enthusiasts from both within and outside the region. The festival features "4-tate soba," referring to soba that is harvested, ground, kneaded, and boiled on the spot.
In 1990, Shintoku soba received the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, the highest prize in the National Soba Production Excellent Management Awards. Subsequently, in 1999 and 2005, it was again awarded the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, solidifying its reputation as Japan's premier soba-producing region.
Soba is known for its balance of the five major nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals), and it contains essential amino acids in a well-balanced manner compared to rice and wheat. Additionally, rutin, a functional component found in soba, has been gaining attention for its effects such as strengthening blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, antioxidative properties, and analgesic effects.
However, it's important to note that while soba has deep roots in Japanese culinary culture, it is also an allergenic food that can cause severe allergic reactions, similar to peanuts.
H. Koshika
Apro Travel Japan
Email info@aprotraveljapan.com
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