Tsukemono: Decoding the Art and Science of Japanese Pickling

by Ole G. Mouritsen, Klavs Styrbæk

One of the best-kept secrets of Japanese cuisine is a range of side dishes known as tsukemono (つけもの, 漬物). The word, pronounced ‘tskay-moh-noh,’ means ‘something that has been steeped or marinated’ (tsuke—steeped; mono—things). Although tsukemono are usually made from vegetables, some fruits, flowers, and a few rhizomes are also preserved this way; it is, therefore, more accurate to characterize them as ‘pickled foods.’ Their preparation makes use of one or more conservation techniques, involving ingredients such as salt, sugar, vinegar, alcohol, and herbs, in combination with methods including dehydration, marinating in salt and acidic liquids, fermentation, and curing. The process of making tsukemono amounts to more than just a simple way of preserving otherwise perishable fresh produce. Apart from its nutritional value, the dish stimulates the appetite, provides delicious taste sensations, and improves digestion, all while remaining an elegant study in simplicity and esthetic presentation.

This book goes well beyond explaining the secrets of making crisp tsukemono. The authors discuss the cultural history and traditions associated with these pickled foods; provide recipes and outline techniques for preparing them at home with local ingredients; describe the healthful benefits and basic nutritional value to be found in the various types of pickles; and show how easy it is to serve them on a daily basis to stimulate the appetite or as condiments to accompany vegetable, fish, and meat dishes. The goal is to encourage the readers of this book to join us in a small culinary adventure that will allow us to expand and diversify our consumption of plant-based foods, which are so vital to our overall well-being. And along the way, there may be a few surprises.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2021

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a lot of recipes, but a fascinating and beautifully photographed look at the science and history of tsukemono

[Equipment Hardy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like I retained very little information. It wasn't really what I was looking for, which was something more akin to a recipe book or how-to. It was very heavy on the science portion. I liked reading about the history and the historical significance of the food, but got lost when talking about it at a cellular level.

Side note: I do take issue with the author equating autism to a disease like cancer and stating that a certain diet can 'cure' it. It makes me question their integrity. This is only brought up in one paragraph in the book, so its not a major problem but it is something I found disagreeable.