The taste of sesame ”tofu” which surprised Kukai
Mount Koya which Kukai established, is famous for Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. The Buddhist vegetarian cuisine was developed over a long period, under a strict regimen which prohibited the consumption of meat. An especially popular item is ”goma tofu” or sesame ”tofu”. You can smell the aroma of natural sesame, and a rich deep taste spreads in your mouth.
Even Kukai was surprised with the taste, prompting him to say ”Pass on this rare taste and good aroma to those that follow.”, after trying it at a farm on his way to Mount Koya.
”Kadohama Goma Tofu Honpo” has followed the same method since the opening of Mount Koya.
”Kadohama Goma Tofu Honpo” does not use any additives, continuing to make ”goma tofu” with a natural taste.
Carefully kneading over heat
Carefully selected white sesame is gently rinsed with water from the rocks of Mount Koya, mixed with ”Yoshino kuzu”, and kneaded until it becomes firm.
Nakata concentrated on kneading until it became smooth while the sesame was being heated. It is rather tedious work, but if this process isn’t done precisely, the texture will not be smooth. The taste is loved by people who come to Mount Koya to pray even to this day, because it is handmade with care.
”Goma tofu” that has the same taste for more than 1100 years. When you visit Mount Koya, please enjoy the taste which surprised even Kukai so long ago.
