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NURU-KAN: Umami-Packed Drinking Enjoyment

NURU-KAN: Umami-Packed Drinking Enjoyment

Drinking Nuru-Kan warmed Sake during the wintertime has existed from back in the 8th century among the upper echelon of Japanese society. By the 16th century, this practice gradually spread through other communities, and Nuru-Kan, once relished exclusively during the cold seasons came to be enjoyed all year round. Following the culmination of what was…
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Tips for Selling More Shochu

Tips for Selling More Shochu

What is Shochu? That is a question often asked by restaurant customers. While few associate Shochu to Korean Soju, to most, Shochu is just another Asian alcoholic beverage. However, despite the curiosity, most customers show little interest in the production process of Shochu. So how do you explain what Shochu is? And how do you…
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2016 Top 10 Employees Most Popular Items

2016 Top 10 Employees Most Popular Items

Mutual Trading employees reveal their top 10 favorite items for 2016. Matsuri Koshihikari Rice tops the list for two years in a row, followed by ever so popular Kurobuta Sausage and Miyako Beef Bowl. 1. Matsuri Koshihikari Rice 2. Frozen Kurobuta Sausage 3. Frozen Miyako Beef Bowl 4. Frozen Cooked Pork Collar Chasiu 5. Frozen…
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2017 Top 20 Culinary Trends

2017 Top 20 Culinary Trends

The National Restaurant Association's "what's hot in 2017" predicts menu and culinary trends for the year ahead. For 2017, the NRA surveyed nearly 1,300 professional chefs to find out what the hottest trends will be. 1. New cuts of meat [caption id="attachment_6454" align="aligncenter" width="609"] Beef Tongue [76800] grilled over Binchotan Charcoal[/caption] 2. Street food-inspired dishes [caption…
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The Power of Koji & The Health Benefits of Amazake

The Power of Koji & The Health Benefits of Amazake

[caption id="attachment_6419" align="alignleft" width="770"] Amazake is a deliciously sweet fermented Sake from Japan.[/caption] Historically, Amazake has been around since Kofun period (around 250 to 538 AD), however, due to its health and beauty benefits, what was once enjoyed only during winter time, is now enjoyed all year round. There are numerous benefits of Amazake. It…
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The Characteristics of Koshu Wine

The Characteristics of Koshu Wine

Japan is located between 30 to 50 degrees north latitude, the same latitude as world famous wine regions France, Germany, Italy, Spain and California. That said, Japan’s climate is almost not suitable for growing wine grapes because (1) the weather influenced by nearby Asian continent can be volatile, (2) the intense seasonal change, and (3)…
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Sake & Shochu Gift Sets

Sake & Shochu Gift Sets

Looking for a holiday gift sets? Browse our selection of hand-crafted premium Sake and Shochu! [caption id="attachment_6340" align="alignleft" width="150"] KATSUYAMA DEN JUNMAI DAIGINJO | Item Number: 1915 | Package: 6/720ml | Origin: Miyagi, Japan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6341" align="alignleft" width="150"] BORN DREAMS COME TRUE JUNMAI DAIGINJO | Item Number: 6060 | Package: 6/1 lit | Origin: Fukui,…
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Miyazaki Gyu

Miyazaki Gyu

MIYAZAKI-GYU: TWO-TIME CHAMPION of JAPAN’S WAGYU OLYMPICS By: Naoto Yonezawa Wagyu and Kobe beef are popular items on restaurant menus these days but do consumers know where these beef actually come from? And what exactly is Wagyu? According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), specific stipulations must be met before beef can earn…
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The Only Hamachi, You’ll Ever Want to Eat

The Only Hamachi, You’ll Ever Want to Eat

[caption id="attachment_5531" align="aligncenter" width="770"] “Fresher than Fresh”, Always Quality Premium Grade Japan-Harvest Hamachi (Image: Onsui Co., Ltd.)[/caption] NOT ALL HAMACHI ARE CREATED EQUAL. Cho-Rei-Kun Hamachi is naturally grown, and freeze-processed through a revolutionary system that enables the fish to maintain its “just caught” freshness until they’re defrosted for use.  Compare that to the majority of…
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