Tea has long been used as a conversation tool in the Aizu region. Drinking tea = meaning to talk. It seems that there is a way of connecting feelings that is different from alcohol when you spend peaceful time together in a peaceful environment.
"Having a tea" That means "talking"
There is a culture called "Ochakko" in the Tohoku region. It is "a little tea," and close friends from the neighborhood gather and bloom flowers . Here in Aizu, it is said that there is a phrase "to go around with a cup of tea," meaning that anyone's home will go to play.
Mr. Takuro Yatsu (Yazuki Takuro) of “IIE Lab.” Involved in the production of Aizu cotton, which frequently appears in Wakasu, also said, “My grandmother was exactly like that. I will tell you. Then let's actually have a "tea drink"! Also, I visited with the staff of IIE Lab., Keiko Keiko (Kei Toku Keiko), who runs a farmhouse restaurant “Ayano-Keifei Yakizo”, where Mr. Yatsu always interacts.
Keitoku Keiko of Keyakizou
"I recently decreased, but I used to have a cup of tea. I used to talk to each other and exchange recipes for dinner. It was a place to communicate with my friends in town." Mr. Keitoku.
Mr. Keitoku was also working on medical affairs while helping farmers in the family business, but as his grandchildren were born he concentrated on farming. The desire to spread the vegetables that I raised is raised, and I start participating in local study sessions. After that I got the qualification of Vegetable & Fruit Meister, and I learned how to convey the characteristics and attractiveness of vegetables. About 10 years ago, I renovated my home and opened a restaurant. It offers a menu of harvested vegetables in the field, but cooking is self-directed.
Ochagure is "pickles" Aizu style
"In the old days, tea confectionery was valuable, so it was pickle when it came to serving tea . Because vegetables were abundant, we all pickled at home. We brought it up and carried out" tea drink ", so" Oh, it's delicious. The conversation like "Well?"
On this day too, I was surprised at the rich variety of pickles shaken by Mr. Keitoku and the beautiful colors. The interview was conducted in January, but the pickles of radish and burdock were regarded as petal bales. The seasoning is also changed for each vegetable, and the taste is very complex when put in the mouth. "I can drink tea endlessly with just pickles" IIE Lab. It's just that the sayings of Takashi Chiba also jump out.
Pickles made by Mr. Keitoku
"There is no tea plantation in Aizu, so there isn't much attention to tea leaves, but it's important to have pickles for tea. There is a recipe for each house, and how to pick seasonal vegetables is everyone's concern," says Keitoku. It seems that radish is soaked in 20 to 30 kg at a time, and it is understood that it is an integral part of the Aizu food culture.
Mr. Matsumoto, Mr. Yatsu, Mr. Chiba (from the left) of “IIE Lab.” Who visited Keitoku (left) of the farmhouse restaurant “Keyakikura”
Everyone in "IIE Lab." Will also enjoy the culture that has been passed down to Aizu for a long time, and it will be very fun. We will talk over tea and pickles slowly without being annoyed, across occupations and generations. "Hakkobi" had a happy scenery that was commensurate with the calm location of Aizu.
