The old Tsujimo okaki making is particular about the traditional manufacturing method that combines carefully selected materials and craftsmanship.
◆ Commitment to materials ◆
The flavor of the ingredients is the key to making delicious oysters. We use 100% domestic glutinous rice, mainly Hiyo rice from Saga Prefecture, and select the most delicious production areas while assessing the results of each year. The black beans are made from the Tamba variety, the plums are made from Kishu Minamitaka plums, and the shrimp are pushed into the dough with the shell to maximize the original flavor of the ingredients.
In addition, we are focusing on local production for local consumption, and we are taking on the challenge of new flavors that make use of local ingredients, such as Izumi octopus, chirimenjako, and okaki made from mandarin oranges from Wakayama, which are caught off the coast of Quanzhou. Seasonings such as soy sauce, oil, salt, and sugar are also made with homemade blends to enhance the flavor of the simple oysters.
◆ Craftsman's commitment ◆
The carefully washed rice is soaked in special water overnight and steamed with steam in round grains. By using a wooden saucer, excess water is also removed. The steamed rice is pushed up with a pestle to make a beautiful and delicious rice cake.
Once the rice cakes have been kneaded well, they are "laid down" in the refrigerator and adjusted to the moisture and firmness of okaki dough. After that, the process of cutting it to the size of each oyster and blowing air to dry is repeated. Since it is greatly affected by temperature and humidity, this is the highlight of the craftsman's skill.
Finally, each piece is carefully baked in a large tunnel-shaped kiln and seasoned in a variety of ways, except for unglazed ones. By fusing traditional manufacturing methods and mechanization, we are striving to make better products every day.