What is ion rice?
During our visit to Fukushima Prefecture, we not only encountered ”kanpo” rice, but another new variety as well called ”ion rice”. We spoke to Yoshihiro Tadaura, who raises ”ion rice”.Tadaura produces mainly ”Koshihikari” rice. Koshihikari rice from Aizu is popular, and is known for its sweetness. Tadaura has been researching a method to make the rice more delicious by spraying the negative ion water on the rice fields. Spraying ionized water activates photosynthesis. This makes the rice stronger, making the grain more delicious. It also makes the rice more rot-resistant.
Tadaura started to make ion rice about 30 years ago. When Nakata asked why he started making the ion rice, Tadaura answered that it was because he was not healthy.
”Originally, I started it as a way to make myself healthy. I wasn’t very healthy. So I wanted to make something that makes me healthier.”
He started by drinking ionized water. You know your own body. He could literally feel the health effects on his ”skin”. Since then, he started researching, and found a way to adapt the method to rice cultivation. His rice received various awards, and the taste of the rice gradually gained recognition.
Nakata was surprised by the ”mochi” made from ion rice!
Tadaura gave us some newly harvested rice to take home. ”It’s delicious. This is my private brand. Please try it.” he said. The characteristic of Tadaura’s rice is definitely ”umami” and sweetness.
We recognized the sweetness when we tasted it. In a different location, Nakata was served ”mochi” using glutinous rice called ”koganemochi”. As soon as he took a bite, Nakata commented ”This is so good!” Tadaura looked very happy to hear that praise. He told us ”The glutinous rice has also been getting great reviews. Please eat as much as you like. It’s really declisiou.”
Taking his comments to heart, Nakata and the staff devoured a lot of ”mochi”. The ”mochi” itself was very sweet, and there was a slight aroma when placed in the mouth. And it was soft.
Nakata was impressed and commented ”It’s been a while since I ate such delicious ”mochi”!”
