Dried Zenmai (Osmunda japonica) from YokoteCity, Akita Prefecture, Japan
It is the finest natural edible wild plantsgrown in Akita prefecture, made by the old-fashionedsun-dried and is perfect for simmered dishesand stir-fried. It swells 5 to 6 times biggerwhen rehydrated by soaking in water.
What is Zenmai (Osmunda japonica)?
Zenmai is a wild vegetable with young leavesbent like a whirlpool and grows in the forest.
The young leaves that have not yet openedare collected for food and its harvest timeis from May to June.
It grows on mountain slopes and is harvestedby folding near the roots. The dried Zenmaineeds to be rehydrated by soaking in waterbefore cooking.
It goes well with stir-fried dish, simmereddish, and seasoned dish. The Zenmai misosoup is also excellent.
How to rehydrate?
Put dried Zenmai in a pan of plenty of water,then heat it to about 70-80 degrees, loosenit by hand, then leave it to cool. When fullyrehydrated, it will be 5 to 6 times bigger.
How to eat?
Dried Zenmai must be rehydrated before cooking.
Boiled dish: Boil Zenmai with fried tofu,shiitake mushrooms, carrots, etc.
Seasoned dish: Mix Zenmai with grounded andseasoned sesame, walnuts, tofu, etc.
Lucky bag: Open the fried tofu, stuff itwith Zenmai, meat, shiitake mushrooms, etc,then tie the bag and simmer.
Stir-fried dish: Stir fry Zenmai, meat andvegetables, etc.