🍱 Hie Zoushi / Hie Gayu

The dish known as "zushi" refers to a type of rice porridge. Rice was precious and consumed during New Year's and festive events, and in the past, the staple food was "hie meshi" made from foxtail millet. Foxtail millet (hie) is a type of cereal native to Japan that has been consumed since pre-Jomon times. Its tough outer husk allows it to be stored for extended periods, making it valuable. In slash-and-burn agriculture, it is cultivated alongside millet in the second year. One of the effects of consuming foxtail millet is that it warms the body, making it suitable for the Japanese people's constitution and climate. While "hie meshi" is fragrant when hot, its flavor diminishes when it cools. However, compared to other grains, it provides better satiety. In Shiiha Village, located in the mountainous region, hunting is still prevalent. A porridge called "hie zushi" is made by boiling rice, foxtail millet, wild boar meat, intestines, and vegetables in a broth made from boiled bone-in wild boar meat.