Yamato Vegetables: Nara Traditional and New Produce

Yamato vegetables are produce unique to Nara, combining heirloom vegetables handed down within the climate of Nara with newly certified varieties. Nara Prefecture certifies as Yamato vegetables both distinctive Yamato traditional vegetables produced since before the war and carefully grown Yamato commitment vegetables. From Yamato-mana greens and round Yamato eggplant to himo-togarashi peppers, the lineup is full of character, and their deep, wholesome flavor is the appeal. They are a treasure of Nara food that colors the table of the ancient capital.

Highlights

The appeal of Yamato vegetables lies in the rich flavor nurtured by the local land and the individuality of each variety. Tender Yamato-mana, plump round Yamato eggplant, mildly spicy himo-togarashi peppers, and more vary in both looks and taste. Yamato-mana is one of Nara old greens said to trace back to the Kojiki, and its depth of history is also part of the charm. You can encounter their charm at eateries in Nara city, Japanese restaurants that use seasonal vegetables, and farm stands. Carefully grown by local producers, these vegetables truly shine with simple cooking.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring come tender young leafy greens, in summer eggplant and peppers and other summer vegetables, and in autumn and winter root vegetables and leafy greens abound, so the star shifts with each season. Dishes made with seasonal Yamato vegetables offer flavors unique to the time of year. At farm stands you may meet rare limited varieties, a delight for those who love to cook.

Access and Basic Information

You can taste them at Japanese restaurants around Kintetsu Nara Station, eateries that handle seasonal ingredients, and farm stands in the outskirts. Because each Yamato vegetable has its own season, the vegetables you can taste vary by time of year. Because farm stands may have limited days and hours, it is reassuring to check in advance. When buying as a souvenir, choose with keeping quality and portability in mind.

Practical Travel Notes

• Because Yamato vegetables are split by season across items, you can meet a seasonal star whenever you visit. Shifting your target with the season, leafy greens in spring, round Yamato eggplant and himo-togarashi in summer, and root vegetables in autumn and winter, broadens the fun.
• To taste dishes made with Yamato vegetables, choosing a Japanese restaurant that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, or an eatery that features Yamato vegetables, is reliable. Some shops let you taste them casually at lunch.
• Farm stands are mostly in the outskirts and may have limited days and hours, so visiting by car and checking in advance is reassuring. Asking a producer about preparation teaches you the cooking method unique to each vegetable.
• Combining Yamato vegetables with Yamato Beef sukiyaki or Yamato Pork hot pot lets you enjoy the compatibility among Nara ingredients. As a fine supporting player that colors the travel table, pairing them with the main dish is also recommended.

A Quick Tip

Since Yamato vegetables have a strong natural flavor, simple cooking that draws on salt or broth is recommended. Asking a producer at a farm stand about cooking methods will teach you the tastiest way to enjoy each vegetable. When carrying them home, leafy greens spoil easily, so it is reassuring to taste them soon or choose well-keeping items.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Certification system: Nara Prefecture certifies "Yamato traditional vegetables" and "Yamato specialty vegetables" together as Yamato vegetables.
• Yamato traditional vegetables: items whose cultivation within the prefecture is documented from before the war, with distinctive "taste, aroma, form and history" arising from unique growing methods that inherit the region's history and culture. 20 items are certified.
• Yamato specialty vegetables: vegetables made more nutritious and tastier through extra care in cultivation, harvesting and shipping, and vegetables original to Nara Prefecture. 5 items are certified.
• (Both figures are the numbers of certified items as of April 1 in Heisei 29, 2017.)
• Main areas to eat and buy them: Farm stands, roadside stations and restaurants within Nara Prefecture.
• Points to note: Shipping seasons differ from item to item, so which vegetables you can buy and taste changes with the time of year you visit. Farm stands may have limited opening days and hours, so checking in advance is recommended.

Note: The certified items and their number may be revised. Check the Nara Prefecture official website for the latest information.

(Sources: Nara Prefecture official website, "Yamato Vegetables")