Inago no Tsukudani

Inago no tsukudani is grasshoppers caught in the rice fields at harvest and simmered sweet and savory, a regional dish centered on the Ina valley. In an area ringed by mountains where seafood was hard to obtain, it was prized as a precious protein source. Glazed with sugar and soy, it suits rice and sake alike.

Highlights

Rich in calcium and protein, insect cuisine has lately drawn attention at home and abroad as a sustainable food. With its fragrant, firm seasoning, it is reportedly easier to eat than its look suggests. Shinshu retains other distinctive insect foods too, such as bee larvae and aquatic insect larvae.

Enjoying the Seasons

Grasshopper gathering peaks around the autumn rice harvest, and the tsukudani made then is exceptional. Made as a preserved food, it stays on the table as a standby side dish through winter. It offers a rare taste experience that reveals the regions food culture.

Access and Basic Information

You can buy it at farm shops, supermarkets, and souvenir stores around Ina. Seeking local ingredients near Ina-shi Station leads you to time-honored regional flavors.

A Quick Tip

If insect cuisine is new to you, start with a small amount. The sweet-savory seasoning eaten with rice makes it easy to enjoy without hesitation.