A refreshing journey of Kaga vegetables to fully enjoy Kanazawa's summer

Kanazawa in the summer has a special charm that will make you forget the heat.

Wander through the charming streets and let yourself be carried away by the cool breeze blowing in from the Sea of Japan. The food unique to this region makes such a summer trip even more fulfilling. In particular, the refreshingly nutritious local summer cuisine made with Kaga vegetables that have been cultivated in this area since ancient times is exceptional. Each and every dish is packed with the wisdom and ingenuity of our ancestors, as well as a love for the local climate.

What are Kaga vegetables? Traditional flavors nurtured by the climate of Kanazawa

Kaga vegetables is a general term for 15 traditional vegetables that have been cultivated in Kanazawa City for a long time.

Vegetables that can withstand the harsh cold of winter and grow in the abundant sunlight of summer have a unique flavor and texture that is not found in ordinary vegetables.

• Gensuke Daikon : It is characterized by its chunky shape, does not fall apart easily when cooked, and has a strong sweetness.

• Kaga Futo Cucumber : Several times larger than a regular cucumber. The skin is thick but soft, and it is used in a wide range of dishes, including simmered dishes, salads, and pickles.

• Uchiki Red-Skinned Sweet Chestnut Pumpkin : As its name suggests, you can enjoy the crunchy texture and strong sweetness of a chestnut.

• Kinjiso : The leaves are green on the top and vibrant purple on the bottom. When boiled, they become slimy and have a unique flavor that stimulates the appetite. These Kaga vegetables are packed with wisdom for surviving the summer heat of Kanazawa. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they are also expected to have the effects of cooling the body and stimulating appetite.

Enjoy refreshing local cuisine made with Kaga vegetables in Kanazawa in the summer

Kaga vegetables have been enjoyed not only at long-established restaurants but also at home in Kanazawa. The cooking methods are simple, yet ingenious, bringing out the natural flavor of the vegetables. Here are some refreshing local dishes using Kaga vegetables that you should definitely try in Kanazawa this summer.

・Kaga thick cucumber simmered in thick sauce

This stew has a gentle, nostalgic flavor and is made with Kaga thick cucumbers, a vegetable that represents summer in Kanazawa. Unlike regular cucumbers, Kaga thick cucumbers retain their firmness even when cooked, making them perfect for stews. The thick cucumber's mild flavor is gently enveloped in a thick dashi-flavored sauce. Served chilled, it has an even more refreshing taste and is easy to eat even on days when you don't have much of an appetite.

・Boiled golden rhizome

Kinjiso, with its beautiful, vibrant purple leaves, is an essential vegetable in Kanazawa in the summer. When boiled, it has a unique slimy texture and a slightly bitter taste that will soothe your summer fatigue. It is usually simply boiled and dressed with dashi soy sauce and sesame vinegar. Cool, refreshing boiled greens are a dish that will help you forget the heat.

・Steamed Kaga lotus root (hasumushi)

This dish is made by grating the finely textured and sticky Kaga lotus root, mixing it with white fish, and steaming it. The steamed lotus root has a unique chewy texture. It is usually served with a warm bean paste, but in the summer it can also be enjoyed with a cold bean paste for a refreshing taste.

・Fried Kamo eggplant marinated in soy sauce

Kamo eggplant, one of the Kaga vegetables, is characterized by its thick, heavy flesh and firm texture. Deep-frying it and dipping it in cold broth gives it a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refined flavor.

・Kaga thick cucumber vinegar dish

A simple dish made with thinly sliced fresh Kaga futo cucumbers tossed in vinegar. The crisp, fresh texture stands out, and the refreshing taste is perfect for summer. Enjoy the cool Kanazawa summer with all your senses.

Enjoy the cool summer in Kanazawa with all your senses

The local summer cuisine made with Kaga vegetables is not only delicious, but also allows you to feel the coolness of Kanazawa's summer with your whole body.

First of all, the natural colors of Kaga vegetables are a feast for the eyes. The vibrant green of the cucumber and the beautiful purple of the golden bellflower are enough to cool you down just by looking at them. Then there's the gentle aroma of fresh vegetables and dashi. When you put them in your mouth, you can enjoy the various textures - crunchy, chewy, and creamy - and the sweetness of the ingredients themselves spreads gently in your mouth.

A summer trip to Kanazawa to enjoy Kaga vegetables

We will introduce you to spots in Kanazawa where you can enjoy local cuisine made with Kaga vegetables.

At a long-established restaurant : Enjoy a beautiful banquet meal made with plenty of seasonal Kaga vegetables. Recommended for those who want to spend a special time while experiencing the atmosphere of Kanazawa in summer.

At Omicho Market : Omicho Market, known as Kanazawa's kitchen, sells seasonal Kaga vegetables. You can casually enjoy dishes made with fresh Kaga vegetables at the restaurant inside the market.

• At a Machiya Restaurant : This stylish restaurant, renovated from an old townhouse, offers a taste of modern Kaga vegetable cuisine while immersing you in the atmosphere of Kanazawa.

At local supermarkets : A wide variety of Kaga vegetables are sold at reasonable prices at supermarkets frequented by locals. Buying some as a souvenir and cooking it at home will make for a wonderful memory.

summary

Even in the intense heat of summer in Kanazawa, we are treated to local cuisine made with Kaga vegetables, embodied in the rich natural environment of the region and the wisdom of the people who live there. Kaga vegetable cuisine is more than just a meal. It is a food culture rooted in the local climate and the crystallization of wisdom for spending the hot summer comfortably. Savoring refreshing cuisine, walking through the historic city, and refreshing both body and mind. This series of experiences is what can be said to be the true joy of a summer trip to Kanazawa. Why not plan a trip to Kanazawa like this this summer? Kanazawa is home to a story of a refreshing summer woven with Kaga vegetables.