Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)

Colorful, crunchy, and sweet-sour-salty, tsukemono is the world of Japanese pickles, in which seasonal vegetables are transformed by diverse techniques that elevate the essence of each vegetable.
 
Unlike Western pickles that often are treated as add-ons and condiments, tsukemono is an essential part of a traditional Japanese meal, balancing washoku principles of color, texture, taste, and adding important nutrition. Much of the amazing diversity of vegetables in the Japanese diet is consumed in the form of pickles.
 
Using the freshest seasonal produce, you’ll make five traditional pickles, a sampling of brined, vinegared, and fermented:

• Shio-zuke: An ocean-flavored brine that incorporates kombu and citrus.
• Amasu-zuke: A sweet-sour vinegar brine that transforms ginger, onions, and colorful peppers.
• Shoyu-zuke: A soy-based brine excellent for cucumbers, leafy greens, and eggs.
• Miso-zuke: A popular way of curing root vegetables and fruits, and even tofu, meat, and fish.
• Shibazuke:A unique Kyoto pickle that pairs eggplant, ginger, cucumber, and red shiso.  

On the menu:

• An array of tsukemono
• Flaked salmon and rice (takikomi gohan) 
• Seasonal vegetable miso soup

We’ll experience how our recipes transform vegetables in color, texture, and flavor.

Details

• You'll take home the pickles you make – about half-pint amounts – to finish their fermenting or brining.
• You'll get a glass pickle weight and printed recipes to help you continue your tsukemono journey.
• BARN’s kitchen facility regularly uses ingredients on the FDA’s major allergens list. This class uses fish, wheat, and soybeans.

Allergies and dietary restrictions

Materials

Class Policies

Instructors or Guides