02.Japanese meal~Washoku~

"Washoku" is traditional Japanese food. In Japan, not always but sometimes my mother cook it. I love it. Sooooo delicious!!! I hope everyone who read this article will be able to have it someday. Although there are some Japanese restaurants in Taiwan, I feel a little bit difference comparing to Washoku that we have in Japan.

A true Washoku meal balances dishes from each group. Variety of vegetable, fish, meat and grain are included. Mostly, we have rice with other dishes, they are called “okazu”. As we cook “okazu”, we use seasonal ingredients just right for that season.

“Washoku” was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. It was defined as following.

”It is associated with an essential spirit of respect for nature that is closely related to the sustainable use of natural resources. Washoku is a social practice based on a set of skills, knowledge, practice and traditions related to the production, processing, preparation and consumption of food. The basic knowledge and the social and cultural characteristics associated with Washoku are typically seen during New Year celebrations.”

 “Well-balanced and healthy Washoku diet"  

Washoku diet composed of rice, miso soup, several dishes of fish, vegetables and pickles.

Let’s go to Japan and have “Washoku”!

Reference

http://st.japantimes.co.jp/news/?p=no20131220

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html

http://www.bento.com/tf-recp.html