Flavour of Japan – Rice & Grain Delights Fair held in Melbourne

An event for foodservice professionals to discover Japanese rice and Japanese rice products was held in Melbourne in September.

The one-day meeting was organised by the Japan Rice and Rice Industry Export Promotion Association (J.R.E) at Crowne Plaza Melbourne.

A number of representatives from Japan were in attendance, exhibiting products including rice, sake, rice flour, and rice crackers.

Exhibitors also showed convenient products such as potato starch with rice flour, rice porridge, and rice cakes.

Exhibitors　

• Senda Mizuho Ltd (rice)

Manufactures and sells rice for consumers as well as to manufacturers to make products including rice balls, crackers, and sake.

• Hyakushoichiba.co (rice)

The rice wholesaler works directly with farmers and then distributes products globally.

• Hachidaime Gihey Co., Ltd (rice)

The company has a rice heritage and was founded in Kyoto. All employees have a ‘Rice Meister’ title and are highly skilled in blending, milling, and cooking rice.

• Iris Ohyama Inc. (packed cooked rice, mochi)

Iris Ohyama Inc. developed sliceable mochi that is ready to consume after only three minutes in boiling water. The company also developed rehydrating Alpha rice that was initially an outdoor product but has been popular during disasters in Japan.

• Zen-Noh International Corporation (rice, sake)

The company exports different rice products including blended and pre-washed options to suit a range of different culinary applications.

• Namisato Corporation (rice flour, gluten-free tempura powder)

Different varieties of rice are used to produce rice flour. In the Japanese retail market, it has been the top-selling rice flour for 11 consecutive years. The use of rice flour offers many benefits to both cooks and consumers, enabling a healthier finish due to its lower oil usage and absorption rate.

• Morihaku Confectionery Ltd. (rice crackers)

Morihaku Confectionery’s rice crackers are made using whole rice grains, which results in a higher-quality, more flavourful product. Popular flavours include Tama Tama Tomato. The sweet and sour tomatoes pair very well with the onions.

• Ninki Inc. (sake)

Based in the Fukushima Prefecture, Ninki Inc. makes handmade Gingjo sake. A popular product is a sparkling sake made from just rice and rice malt that is fermented in the bottle.

• Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. (sake)

Located in Nadagogo, literally meaning ‘five villages of Nada,’ a sake-producing area in Hyogo Prefecture, Hakutsuru is committed to using high-quality rice, which is an essential ingredient in sake making. Their products often feature Hyogo Prefecture’s ‘Yamada Nishiki rice,’ known as the finest variety of sake rice. The sake is produced by Tanba toji, the sake masters of this area.

At the event, Chef Arakane, a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador held a live cooking demonstration, which saw the chef use products from the exhibitors to create unique dishes.

Arakane is a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, which is a role that sees the culinary professional promote Japanese foods and collaborate with local governments.

Why Japanese rice and rice products?
Japan is well-known for its high-quality rice products, which is a credit to the country’s abundance of high-quality water, which is ideal for the production of rice.

Producers also have high-grade quality control systems in place to ensure customers receive a steady supply of quality and reliable products.

Maintaining good quality:

Climate and environment: Japan’s abundant rainfall ensures a stable water supply for growing Japonica rice. Over time, efforts have been made to develop suitable farmland and irrigation systems, creating an ideal environment for rice cultivation.

Rice varieties: Rice varieties have been refined to suit Japan’s climate, resulting in grains that are robust and have a good texture. The high moisture content and balanced starch properties allow the rice to remain soft and sticky even when cooled. The diversity of rice varieties allows for selection based on preference and use.

Rigorous quality control: High-standard and consistent rice supply is maintained year-round. Post-harvest, conditions such as temperature and humidity are controlled to preserve quality. Advanced milling techniques ensure a steady supply of high-quality rice products.

Japanese rice retains its softness and stickiness when cooled, making it perfect for sushi and rice balls. Its moderate stickiness allows for gentle shaping without much pressure. The sweet and fragrant rice pairs well with various dishes to create diverse flavours.

Products made from Japanese rice, such as sake, rice flour, and rice crackers, also maintain high quality. Sake uses plenty of high-quality rice and is highly aromatic, rice flour offers a gluten-free option, and rice crackers provide a low-calorie, low-fat snack option.

J.R.E hopes foodservice professionals will consider adding Japanese rice products to their menus.