🍱 Achara-zuke Pickles

Achara-zuke is a vinegared dish of chopped seasonal vegetables with red chili pepper. The refreshing sweetness and sourness are accented by the spiciness of the red chili pepper. Since the days when there were no refrigerators, achara-zuke has been valued as a long-lasting summer dish. The word “achara-zuke” is written “阿茶羅漬け" in Chinese characters and is said to be derived from the Portuguese word “achar,” which means pickled vegetables or fruits. Other Asian countries besides Japan also have words for pickles with similar pronunciations, such as “charre” and “ochore.” However, there are various theories as to the origin of the word, as it is said to mean “over there,” which implies foreign countries, and to refer to “Nanban-style pickles.” Hakata Bay has long flourished as a trading hub. It is said that achara-zuke were introduced to Japan through the Nanban trade, a period in history covering the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period (1603-1868). It is also believed that red chili pepper, an essential ingredient for achara-zuke pickles, was introduced to Japan during the same period.