🍚 Myoga Zushi (Sushi with myoga ginger)

Ozanami myoga ginger is grown in the Ozanami district in the southeastern Toyama City (formerly Oyama Town). It is a traditional vegetable representative of Toyama Prefecture. It is characterized by its bright pink color, fragrance, and crunchy texture. In the past, myoga ginger was grown by every household, and it has been used in various dishes such as miso soup and condiments. Myoga zushi has a long history of being a delicacy that has always been made at home during festive occasions. In the past, myoga zushi used to be served in a bowl of fresh-cooked vinegar rice, mixed with myoga and trout meat. However, due to depopulation and other factors, the production of myoga has decreased, and the number of households making this dish has also declined. However, when "myoga zushi," an easy-to-eat pressed sushi wrapped in bamboo leaves, came out, it became widely known both inside and outside of the prefecture and was eaten on many different occasions. The myoga's flavor and the refreshing taste of sweet vinegar have earned it a good reputation as a souvenir.