Kyoto has a long north-south geography, and as of 2019, Kyoto Prefecture consists of 15 cities, 10 towns, and 1 village. Among them, Minamiyamashiro-mura (pop. 2,300), the southernmost village in the prefecture, is the only "village" in the prefecture.
Although the area is famous for its Uji tea, shiitake mushrooms are cultivated during the off-season from late fall to early spring, and in fact account for about 70% of all shiitake mushrooms grown in the prefecture. The shiitake mushrooms are thick and satisfying, and have a wonderful taste and aroma.
In this issue, we will introduce "shiitama-yaki," a dish made from shiitake mushrooms, which can be eaten at direct sales of agricultural and forestry products.
Table of Contents
What is Minamiyama-jo Village Agricultural and Forestry Products Direct Selling Center?
■What kind of food is "shiitama-yaki"?
■ Summary
What is Minamiyama-jo Village Agricultural and Forestry Products Direct Selling Center?
Minamiyamashiro-mura Agricultural and Forestry Products Direct Selling Center is located near the Minamiyamashiro-mura Village Office. By train, it is located 5 minutes on foot from Ogawara Station on the JR Kansai Main Line. A parking lot is available, so coming by car is also recommended. A large signboard along the road is a landmark.
The direct sales shop, with its homey atmosphere and "shiitama-yaki" and "shincha" banners, sells mainly local products from Minamiyamashiro Village, including freshly picked mushrooms, tea, seasonal vegetables, and processed products such as konnyaku and tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce).
■What kind of food is "shiitama-yaki"?
I immediately purchased the shiitama yaki, the direct sales place's signature product and the purpose of this visit.
To the uninitiated, it looks just like a takoyaki, a round batter with red ginger, dried bonito flakes, and a toothpick stuck in it. But how does it taste?
When you take a bite, the aroma of shiitake mushrooms spreads softly, and the meaty shiitake mushrooms sizzle out of the dough. Shiitama-yaki is actually shiitake mushrooms in place of takoyaki octopus.
The shiitake mushrooms inside are different from those on the market in terms of elasticity and aroma when you bite into them. As one would expect from Minamiyamashiro Village. It is only possible when they are freshly harvested. Even those who do not like shiitake mushrooms should try them at least once.
Of course, shiitake lovers will surely like it better than takoyaki.
■ Summary
You may be wondering about "shiitama yaki" (fried shiitake mushrooms). It is a special dish of shiitake mushrooms that can only be tasted here. For those who want to enjoy shiitake mushrooms as a full meal, there is also "shiitama udon" topped with shiitama yaki.
Please visit the direct sales office for the excellent "shiitama-yaki" (fried eggs), which you will want to go all the way to the store for. Please note that business hours are relatively short: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on weekdays, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekends and holidays.
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Minamiyamashiro Village Agricultural and Forestry Products Direct Selling Center
HP:https://www.instagram.com/minamiyamashiro_tyokubai/?hl=ja (Instagram)
Address: 1-3, Kitaogawara Kubo, Minamiyamashiro-mura, Souraku-gun, Kyoto, Japan
Phone: 0743-93-1000
