Omachi Soba Noodles
Nagano is called the birthplace of soba (buckwheat) noodles. Buckwheat is grown even in the regions that become barren in the cold, and it is perfect for growing on mountainsides.
Producers
- Soba growers in Omachi
Available at
- Kurashina Mill
- Iizura Omachi Tokusankan
- Roadside Station Poka-Poka Land Miasa
- Tokiwa Farmers’ Market Katakuri (sells buckwheat flour)
- JA Daihoku Farmers’ Market Ekko no Sato
- JA Daihoku Omachi Branch Magokoro Market (sells buckwheat flour)
- Takasegawa Farmer’s Market (sells buckwheat flour)
- The Big
Large-barrel-fermented Miso
This miso is made in huge barrels, in the cold climate of Omachi, an environment that is perfect for aging fermented foods. The taste of this miso is exceptional.
Producers
- Yokokawa Miso & Liquor Shop
- Hirabayashi Shoten
Available at
Oyaki Dumplings
One of Nagano’s primary local dishes. Fillings include seasonal vegetables stir-fried with miso, thinly sliced, dried white radish, and soybean pulp. You can also have oyaki dumplings that are baked in ash. This is a rare method that has been used in Yasaka, Omachi since long ago.
Available at
Freeze-dried Mochi (Pounded Rice Cakes)
Made using the harsh cold of winter and the arid climate, freeze-dried mochi is a preserved food made in the farming off-season. You can eat it as-is or simply soak it in water and heat it to turn it back into mochi.
Producers
- Katakuri Freeze-dried Mochi Group
- Yashiro Freeze-dried Mochi Group
Available at
Freeze-dried White Radish
White radish harvested in the fall is stored in the earth and dug up when it gets cold out. It is left whole or cut into chunks then boiled or steamed. After that, it is exposed to the cold and dried. Compared to fresh white radish, this type of dried radish has a much higher nutritional value.
Producers
- Omachi farms
Available at
Shoyu no Mi (chunky soy sauce)
Rice malt is added to steamed black beans, and after fermenting, the mixture is soaked in soy sauce. Popularly eaten by locals over rice or with sake.
Producers
- Omachi farms
Available at
Pickles
Even now, meals are not complete without Nozawana (mustard greens), a pickled food commonly referred to as “Osai” and “Nappa.” Each home reveals that regions particular flavor with Nagano Prefecture’s typical pickled food.
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