Signs of Spring

Fuki no to

“Fuki no to” also known as “bakke” is the first variant of mountain

vegetable to appear after winter. When these plants start to grow out from the ground, It is generally considered a sign of spring’s arrival. They are not just a sign of spring, but can also be eaten. When raw it is not recommended to eat them as the contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can be harmful to the liver. Fortunately removing the alkaloids from the plant is quite easy. By frying it with miso until it becomes a paste, or by deep frying it, it is safe to eat and might I add quite delicious. The combination with miso is especially good in a grilled onigiri.

Koinobori

Golden week is not just one of those rare occasions where the ever dilligent japanese worker takes off from work, but it is also a cluster of holidays including variuos cultural cel-

ebrations, namely: Children’s day. Children’s day occurs on the last day of golden week (May 5th) and it is a day marked

by the flying of colourful carp streamers known as “koinob-

ori.” Koinobori are flown in honor of children and in hope that they will grow up healthy and strong.