Yamanashi Prefecture is known for culinary delights like water mochi, beautiful cherry blossoms, and the grandeur of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit, but this year another has been added.
On 23 August, Blue Mount Fuji Udon went on sale at souvenir shops around the prefecture. This is the latest in a long line of blue Yamanashi products sold in the theme of Mount Fuji, alongside classics like blue curry, blue bread, and blue jelly.
Now, you're probably wondering what kind of chemical perversion it took to make udon noodles such a vibrant shade of blue. The makers of Blue Mount Fuji Udon, Fujisan Product, were quick to declare that its blue hue was created with the help of gardenia pigment, which has no negative effect on the wheaty taste or firm-yet-tender texture of the thick udon noodles.
It’s simple to make too, and only requires boiling for six to seven minutes. However, this being Blue Mount Fuji Udon, it is recommended to serve in the shape of Mount Fuji, using grated daikon as the snow-capped peak. Other seasoning is optional, but a green-colored soup might serve as a good base that resembles the vast wooded areas skirting the World Heritage Site.
Of course, you’re not duty-bound to recreate Mount Fuji with these noodles and can craft your own scene using their distinct color. You could turn a plate into your favorite hemisphere, using the noodles as the oceanic backdrop and other toppings as land masses, or combine it with other brightly colored food on a black dish for a cyberpunk-gamer culinary affair.
The world is your oyster when you have a bunch of bright blue noodles, and they can be bought from any service station in Yamanashi Prefecture or online from Fujisan Products’ Rakuten page for 798 yen a pack.
Also, with udon being one of the most uniquely Japanese styles of noodles, among the many souvenir foods made in the likeness of Mount Fuji, you could maybe argue that udon is the most exemplary of Japan’s cuisine. It could even become its own simile by saying, “That’s as Japanese as Mount Fuji made out of a pile of udon.”
It makes a great gift for others or yourself, so grab a pack when you get the chance.
Sources: Value Press, Rakuten/Fujisan Product
Images: Value Press
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