Sunday Market in June

Today I visited the Sunday Market to look for some zucchinis. Here’s some pics of the things they sell there in June (or throughout the year.) Ume plums Ume (Japanese plums) are in season now. People buy these green ume plums for making umeboshi (pickled plums) or umeshu (plum wine --- or I think it’s actually “liqueur” rather than “wine," to be precise). Tomatoes--- Yes, you read the price right. Now, don’t be surprised with the price of these tomatoes. These tomatoes, often beautifully packed in boxes to be sent as gifts, are the special kind that we almost worship. They are surprisingly sweet, fruit-like tasting, top-quality tomatoes called “Tokutani tomatoes.” They became known throughout Japan (thanks to some gourmet TV programs) and now making a big contribution to the income of this prefecture. Read More Sellfish The colorful ones in the center are called “Chotaro-gai.” It is said that they were named after a local? fisherman. Crabs They kept trying to get out of the bamboo basket. I wonder what they taste like... Takuan ... with strong smell These takuan (pickled daikon) are prepared in a traditional way and taste very good, but have such strong smell… I’m used to it, but I can imagine that some people, especially those from foreign countries may have trouble with the smell. Gumi (This photo was taken in my bathroom) When I googled for the English name of this fruit, I was surprised to find that it was called Gumi outside Japan, too. We used to have a gumi tree near my parents’ veg. garden when I was a kid. I remember eating gumi until my tongue felt strange around this time of the year. Gumi is very astringent when immature, and even after it is ripe, there’s still a subtle astringent taste left in the skin. But I liked gumi and I was so sad when the tree was hit by lightning one summer. I bought this branch of gumi today feeling nostalgic, but these gumi are still so astringent. Errrrr…. I put the branch in a water-filled wash tub in my bathroom and took the photo there. I guess I need to wait for a couple more days. Well, it was pretty hot today when I was walking around at the market. Summer is coming soon... Oh, yes, I bought some zucchinis. I'm ready for another experiment.... ;)