Fava beans (Sora-mame in Japanese) are the representative taste of early summer. Fava beans are originated in Southwest Asia. They are old and were harvested in ancient Egypt, which was flourished before Christ. In Japan, it is said that fava beans were brought during the Nara period (year 710 ~ 794) from China.
The name, “Sora-mame” came from how the pea pod grows toward the sky (sora in Japanese). It is sometimes called; “Kaiko-mame (silkworm bean)” since it look similar to the cocoon made by silkworms.
April through June is the best season for fava beans. They are harvested in Shizuoka prefecture as well, where our school is located. Vitamin B1, B2, C, and iron are included in them, which allows us to intake nutrition deliciously. In addition, you can also enjoy the beautiful flowers of the fava beans.
Cooking seasonal ingredients beautifully, deliciously, and without making waste is important part of our lessons. In our school, not only you can learn the basics of washoku using fava beans, such as fava bean rice and boiled fava beans, but you can also obtain advanced skills including techniques from Western cuisine, such as grilled fava beans and fava beans pasta. Create a dream plate combining your country’s traditions and the heart of washoku.
At JCI, we are planning on doing lessons that includes ingredients such as corn, bitter melon, scabbard fish, abalone, and fava beans, which are going into the seasonal period soon. Please learn taste of Japanese early summer at JCI!
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