What is budo sansho ?
Budo sansho is a spice specially produced in Japan that has a fragrant scent and then gives a tantalizing kick with a mildly hot taste when eaten. There are several varieties of sansho cultivated, including Asakura sansho in Hyogo Prefecture and Takahara sansho in Gifu Prefecture, however, the variety cultivated in Wakayama Prefecture is characterized by vines of large berries in clusters that resemble bunches of grapes, and as such, it is called budo sansho, (budo meaning grape in Japanese). Wakayama Prefecture is the region boasting the largest production of sansho in Japan, cultivating budo sansho. Further, cultivation centers around Aridagawa Town here, extending across the Aridagawa river basin. Compared to other varieties, another characteristic of budo sansho is its thick pericarp. In early summer, fresh and luscious green fruit forms.
Since ancient times, sansho has been utilized as a natural medicine and as a seasoning in various types of cooking. In Aridagawa Town, a range of initiatives have been taken by local people as central figures to expand the possibilities and applications for budo sansho. Locals are creating, for example, new seasonings, ingredients, sweets, cakes, and recipes; working in collaboration with food companies and chefs; and conducting other activities. Here, we introduce budo sansho and those initiatives.
Extensive uses of budo sansho
In addition to conventional uses as a spice, new applications are evolving, to take advantage of the delights of budo sansho. In this section we introduce the fragrances world where those efficacies are attracting attention, and also the expansion of budo sansho into alcoholic beverages, which is already drawing keen interest.
Recipes with budo sansho
Professional recipe developer, culinary researcher and restaurant owner introduce recipes using budo sansho.
The appeal of budo sansho as told by professionals
From western-style and Japanese-style chefs to a bartender. Professionals from the food and beverage industry give their impressions on budo sansho. We actually had them create menus using budo sansho.
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Noriyuki MatsudaMidoriyama Matsudake
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Toshimasu KumoiShizen Mukuan
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Kaoru FurumotoTori Iki
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Hayato TsuchitaAsuka II
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Restaurantsthat use budo sansho
People involved with budo sansho
We visited farmers cultivating budo sansho, as well as persons in charge of its production at food processing companies, and heard their stories about their efforts up until now, thoughts on budo sansho, and future developments.
Budo sansho as a career
Budo sansho, carefully cultivated in the magnificent nature of Aridagawa Town for many generations can be your next career. Here, we will introduce the “+X model” of supplementary income, based on simulations of how a sansho farmer works and manages the business and propose a new lifestyle in harmony with the local culture.
Designing life in mountain villages-
The voices of budo sansho farmers
Compared to other farming,
it is easier to start from scratch.Kitora Farm
Kiyonobu Shinda -
Management simulation of a budo sansho farmer
We will examine the management model, including revenue and harvest targets and expenses, based on interviews with budo sansho farmers, and also introduce “+X”, as a way of working for additional income outside of the busy seasons.
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The possibilities of budo sansho + forestry
Forestry is increasingly appealing more
to the younger generations.Takegami Mokuzai Co., Ltd.
CEO
Mitsuaki Takeue -
Fall in love with Aridagawa
There’s more than just agriculture and forestry. Introducing the many charms and attractions of Aridagawa town.
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