[History of dried vegetables] A look into the roots of a food ingredient still loved today

Mar 20, 2023

Dried vegetables are vegetables that have been dried and preserved so that they can be eaten throughout the season. Dried vegetables have been used in many cultures since ancient times because they are nutritious, long-lasting, and easy to prepare. This article explains the history of dried vegetables, their uses around the world, and their cultural significance.

History of dried vegetables

Dried vegetables were also used as food during voyages. Because dried vegetables have lost their moisture, they are less likely to spoil and are suitable for storage on ships. In particular, in the 16th century, voyages from Europe to America became more frequent, and dried vegetables became an essential food source.

In Japan, dried vegetables were widely used in the Edo period. Dried vegetables are a type of dried vegetable that is dried using the power of wind and the sun. Dried daikon radish and dried shiitake mushrooms were widely used in the Edo period, and are still used today as local dishes.

How dried vegetables are used around the world

Dried vegetables are used in a variety of ways around the world. Below we introduce how dried vegetables are used in some representative countries and regions.

Asia

In Asia, dried vegetables are an essential ingredient in many different food cultures. In China, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried green onions, dried shrimp, etc. are widely used and added to a variety of dishes.

In India, dried spices are widely used, and dried red chili peppers and curry powder are famous examples. Dried vegetables are also used as long-term preserved foods in Asia, and many preserved foods are made using dried vegetables in Taiwan and China.

Europe

In Europe, dried vegetables are mainly used in dishes such as soups and stews. For example, dried tomatoes are an essential ingredient in Italian tomato sauce, and onion gratin soup made with dried onions is famous in France. In Northern Europe, soups and stews made with dried vegetables are popular traditional dishes.

Americas

In the Americas, a snack called trail mix is made mainly from dried vegetables. Also, dried vegetables such as hay and dried corn, which were used by Native Americans, are still deeply rooted in the culture of American Indians today.

The cultural significance of dried vegetables

Dried vegetables have been used since ancient times in many cultures and have cultural significance because they are preserved and can be eaten throughout the seasons.

For example, in ancient Egypt, dried vegetables were used not only as preserved foods but also as food for the dead. In the Edo period, dried vegetables were a common food used daily by the common people, but in times of war, they were also used as an important preserved food to make up for food shortages.

Furthermore, dried vegetables are closely related to agriculture. By drying vegetables, they can be eaten throughout the season, making them an important food source that supports the livelihood of farmers. Dried vegetables also help reduce food waste. By drying vegetables harvested in large quantities during the harvest season, they can be stored for a long time, and surplus vegetables can be used without waste.

Dried vegetables are also related to the modern food waste problem. In modern society, where fresh vegetables and fruits are often thrown away, dried vegetables can be stored for a long time, which could lead to a reduction in food waste.

OYAOYA dried vegetables

OYAOYA sells seasonal vegetable dried products that make use of the climate and traditions of Kyoto. OYAOYA's dried vegetables are carefully made using traditional drying methods that take time and effort to preserve the flavor and nutritional value.

OYAOYA's lineup of dried vegetables includes a wide variety of vegetables, including onions, carrots, pumpkins, chili peppers, tomatoes, radishes, etc. These dried vegetables are easy to store and allow you to enjoy their seasonal flavors, making them popular as indispensable ingredients on the dinner table.

OYAOYA also offers recipes using dried vegetables. Dried vegetables can be restored to their freshness by soaking them in water, and can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, dried tomatoes can be used in pasta, pizza, and salads, and dried onions can be used in soups, stews, and curries. OYAOYA's dried vegetables are delicious and can be enjoyed without losing their flavor or taste, making them excellent ingredients to brighten up your dinner table.

Dried vegetables help reduce food waste

Dried vegetables have been used in many cultures since ancient times, and because they are preserved for long periods of time, they are an important food that also helps reduce food waste. OYAOYA's dried vegetables can be stored for long periods of time without losing their flavor or nutritional value, which helps reduce food waste. OYAOYA's dried vegetables are made using traditional drying methods, taking advantage of the climate and traditions of Kyoto, allowing you to enjoy the flavor of seasonal vegetables in their original form.

Dried vegetables can be stored for a long time and retain their seasonal flavor and nutritional value, so they will continue to be a popular ingredient in the future. It is important that many people learn about the appeal of dried vegetables through cooking with OYAOYA dried vegetables and contribute to the development of dried vegetable culture.