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Senmaizuke is a pickle representative of Kyoto, made by salting thinly sliced Shogoin turnip (kabura) together with kelp and finishing it with a sweet-sour flavor using vinegar and mirin. Counted alongside sugukizuke and shibazuke as one of "Kyoto's three great pickles," it is especially cherished as a winter flavor of Kyoto. It is said to have originated in 1865 (Keio 1), created by the first-generation Daikokuya Tozaburo, who served as a cook at the Imperial court, and there is a sense of historical background in its design, in which the turnip represents the white gravel and the accompanying mibuna greens represent the green of the pines, evoking the scenery of the Imperial Palace. Its distinctive elegant sweetness, the umami of the kelp, and its crisp texture make it a staple Kyoto souvenir as well.
Origin
Senmaizuke is said to have been created in 1865 (Keio 1) by the first-generation Daikokuya Tozaburo, who served in the Daizenshiki, the Imperial court's culinary office. Using Shogoin turnip, which was used at the Imperial court, as its main ingredient, it began as a pickle sold with a connection to the Imperial Palace.
History
Since its creation, it has spread as a winter specialty of Kyoto, and from the Meiji era onward it became widespread in ordinary households and ryotei as well. A long-established shop descended from its creator continues to operate today under the banner of being the "birthplace of senmaizuke," and the Kyoto Prefecture Pickle Cooperative also introduces it as one of Kyoto's three great pickles.
Features
It is a type of sweet-vinegar pickle made by salting thinly sliced Shogoin turnip together with kelp, then pickling it further with vinegar, sugar, mirin, and other seasonings. It is said to carry a design reminiscent of an Imperial Palace garden, with the turnip representing white gravel and the accompanying mibuna greens representing the green of pine trees.
Main Ingredients
Food Culture
Because it uses Shogoin turnip, which comes into season in winter, it has become established as a winter flavor of Kyoto, and it is also cherished as a year-end and New Year's gift and as an accompaniment to osechi (New Year's) dishes.
Famous Shops
千枚漬本家 大藤 麩屋町本店
京都市中京区麩屋町通錦小路下る桝屋町510
A long-established shop that traces its history to the birthplace of senmaizuke. Founded in 1865 (Keio 1).
View details →| Senmaizuke (small packs) | Small, easy-to-carry refrigerated packs are sold by each long-established shop, making it a staple Kyoto souvenir.Where to buy →PR |
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