At Shutoku Kombu, we are meticulous in everything from ingredient selection to production methods to embody Ise's 'raw culture.' First, we put special effort into selecting kelp, carefully selecting the most suitable kelp for each use, such as dashi kelp, oboro kelp, tororo kelp, and tsukudani kombu. For oboro kelp, we use true kelp from southern Hokkaido, carefully selecting only those with thick flesh and thin ears.
In the manufacturing process, we carefully use a secret vinegar technique passed down since our founding called 'zukimae,' where kelp is soaked. The timing and timing of soaking in vinegar depend on years of experience and intuition, and artisans manage it with the utmost care. This process brings out the original umami and refined sweetness of kombu, creating a taste unlike any other.
Additionally, for shavings of oboro kelp and tororo kombu, a special kelp knife with a yakiyaki blade on only one side is used. Because the kelp soaked in vinegar is shaved off, the blade tips rust quickly, but each time it is carefully sharpened and the technique of shaving to a micro-thin thickness is a master that takes over 10 years. Tororo kelp uses only the core part of oboro kelp and boasts such beauty and delicacy that it is called "pure white yam."
The tsukudani kelp is handmade by hand using carefully selected kelp, special soy sauce, and honkare-dried bonito flakes, carefully examining subtle changes in the steam. In particular, the 'Dondoko Tamari Konbu' is a unique Ise flavor made with tamari soy sauce, and has long been loved by locals.
This commitment to traditional techniques and natural ingredients also contributes to sustainability and food safety. By using no additives and maximizing the power of the ingredients, we continue to create products that customers can enjoy with peace of mind.