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. |
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. |
ACCESS
- rice farmer Yoshihiro Tadaura
- Toyokawamachi, Kitakata, Fukushima