Niigataology

  Niigata Yakinasu 焼きなす is enjoyed in Niigata as a eggplant variety that taste good in a number of ways, but especially grilled. Yakinasu literally means "grilled eggplant", so the most common preparation for it is grilling whole eggplants over an open flame until the skin is charred and the flesh inside becomes soft and smoky. After grilling, the skin is peeled away, and the tender eggplant is typically served chilled or at room temperature with toppings like: Grated ginger, Katsuobushi (bonito flakes), Chopped green onions, Shoyu, or Dashi. In Niigata, it’s often enjoyed in the summer when eggplants are in season—cool, refreshing, and light. It is known to place an emphasis on the seasoning to add even more flavor into the dish . Yakinasu is a Fragrant Summer Tradition of Niigata. Eggplant, or nasu (茄子), is one of the sanyasai (three summer vegetables), along with cucumber and tomato, and it holds a symbolic place in both culinary and seasonal culture. In Niigata, where the...