As a Japanese nutritionist living in the U.S., I like searching for traditional foods that I grew up consuming, akin to seaweed, beans, matcha, multigrain rice, and candy potatoes.
I generally go to Costco to purchase these staples in bulk. However throughout a current journey to Japan, I had the prospect to buy on the Costco Yawata Warehouse in Kyoto, which you’ll be able to go to utilizing your U.S. membership card.
I used to be curious to see the way it in comparison with the American shops, and I ended up being very shocked.
The format was similar to the Costco shops within the U.S. I noticed most of the identical objects, too, akin to Kirkland trash baggage and Duracell batteries.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
Whereas the format and most of the merchandise had been much like the U.S. shops, the number of Japanese meals was unimaginable. There have been regional objects, seasonally sourced elements, and more healthy snacks that I hardly ever discover again house. It was enjoyable to flick through the meals and types that had been unique to shops in Japan.
Listed below are six issues I want U.S. Costco shops carried extra of.
1. All kinds of seaweed
Seaweed is a staple in Japan. It is filled with minerals, nutritional vitamins, and polyphenols, making it probably the most nutrient-dense, plant-based meals you may eat.
No meal is full with out seaweed. It is so scrumptious and simple to arrange.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
I discovered a wide array, together with:
- Mozuku: A noodle-like, slippery seaweed that is wealthy in fucoidan, a fiber recognized for supporting gut health, immunity, and even bone strength
- Nori: Crispy seaweed sheets good for sushi and rice balls
- Aosa: I like sprinkling it over soups or salad
- Wakame: Usually utilized in miso soup
Okinawan mozuku seaweed! If I may, I might have introduced again a lot with me to the U.S.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
Different varieties included kombu, hijiki, aonori, and kanten — all of which I wish to hold in my pantry.
2. Plenty of tofu and different soy-based meals
Tofu is considered one of my favourite meals. It is an incredible supply of plant-based protein and may be very versatile throughout cuisines. You’ll be able to eat it plain or throw it in soups or salads. Even my canines get pleasure from it!
Due to my expensive cousin, Masahiro Sakata, who accompanied me on this Costco journey! His large bag is stuffed with veggies and snacks for his household and pals.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
Japanese Costcos promote a tremendous number of soy-based objects, lots of that are vacuum-sealed for freshness and shelf-life. Choices included:
- Freeze-dried koya tofu: Nice for busy households. It rehydrates rapidly and holds taste effectively.
- Fried, powdered, and frozen tofu: These variations are scrumptious, versatile, and simple to prepare dinner.
Tofu is a good supply of protein, with none of the ldl cholesterol. It is also very versatile; you may add it to soups or stir fry!
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
One in every of my go-to recipes includes soaking koya tofu, reducing it into cubes, then simmering with kombu, dried shittake mushrooms, carrots, peas, and ginger. I end it with selfmade miso paste for a satisfying, balanced dish.
3. Seasonal Japanese produce
I all the time encourage my shoppers to include a variety of greens, roots, and herbs into each meal. Higher plant selection means extra fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins for an extended life.
The Goldstar is the essential membership degree, and it will get you into any Costco location world wide — all for lower than $40 a 12 months.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
I used to be excited to see every kind of produce which can be a little bit more durable to seek out in American supermarkets:
- Japanese eggplants and cucumbers
- Mushrooms like enoki and shimeji
- Leafy greens like, mizuna, komatsuna, and hakusai (Napa cabbage)
Even the potatoes from Hokkaido, recognized for his or her top quality, had been obtainable in bulk.
I grew up consuming a lot of Japanese candy potatoes! They’re subtly candy and have a nutty taste with chestnut-like undertones. I like baking them, however you may also throw them in soups.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
4. Prepared-to-eat Japanese meals
A field of varied “onigiri,” Japanese rice balls product of steamed rice. They’re typically compressed into triangular, ball, or cylinder shapes and wrapped in seaweed.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
I like to prepare dinner, however generally life will get busy and I want quick, wholesome choices for myself and my shoppers.
I like multigrain rice balls with tuna wrapped in seaweed, which is filled with essential minerals akin to iron, calcium, folate and magnesium.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
Costco Japan provided a wise vary of ready-to-eat objects, together with (my favourite) microwavable multigrain rice bowls, pickled greens, instantaneous miso soups in each powdered and paste kind (simply add scorching water and throw in some seaweed and tofu), Japanese-style cooked fish, and plenty of distinctive condiments.
We noticed a lot of ready-to-eat brown rice choice. These are so handy to have on busy days when you do not have time to prepare dinner.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
In fact, you could find a few of these objects in American shops, like Entire Meals, however they’re typically pricier.
5. Conventional rice crackers (senbei)
There are over 35 Costco areas in Japan. We visited the one in Kyoto.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
Rice crackers (soy-flavored rice crisps) are considered one of my favourite snacks. At Costco Japan, I noticed kakino-tane, crescent-shaped crackers typically blended with peanuts. Different rice crackers had been made with sesame seeds, seaweed, soy powder, nuts, and even some herbs.
6. So many alternative manufacturers of inexperienced tea
In Japan, inexperienced tea is greater than only a beverage — it is a each day ritual. You will discover it in merchandising machines, eating places, and just about in each house.
We noticed packing containers and packing containers of bottled matcha inexperienced tea. There are numerous well being advantages! Research have proven that matcha can scale back the chance of cardiovascular illnesses.
Picture: Michiko Tomioka
At Costco Japan, I noticed bottled inexperienced teas, tea baggage and loose-leaf choices, and powdered teas in family-sized packages. Virtually each shopper had a inexperienced tea product of their cart.
Inexperienced tea has been related to better heart health and longer life in many studies. I all the time suggest swapping it instead of soda for a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich different.
Michiko Tomioka, MBA, RDN is a licensed nutritionist and longevity skilled. Born and raised Nara, Japan, her method focuses on a plant-based weight loss plan. She has labored in dietary roles at substance restoration facilities, constitution faculties and meals banks. Comply with her on Instagram @michian_rd.
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