🍱 Grilled akebi stuffed with miso / Grilled akebi with oil

"Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" has taken root as an indispensable local delicacy for the people of Yamagata Prefecture, with its sprouts edible in spring and its fruits in autumn. The vines are used for vine crafting and other purposes. "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" cultivation became popular in Yamagata Prefecture in the 1970s and 1980s. "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" grown in Tendo City was well received in the Kanto region, and its cultivation began in earnest. The Murayama and Okitama regions are the main production areas, and the prefecture as a whole boasts the highest production level in Japan. The appearance of the seeds varies slightly depending on the type and strain, such as light purple or pink, and they also serve to add color to the dining table. While the white part around the seeds is generally eaten nationwide, Yamagata Prefecture has a unique culinary culture in which the skin is eaten. "Akebi(=Chocolate vine)" has a bittersweet flavor and is served in a variety of dishes such as grilled akebi stuffed with miso, simmered dishes, salad, tempura, and nuta-age.