With many people spending much more time dining at home these days, we suspect our readers have been experimenting in the kitchen. For aspiring chefs out there, a full arsenal of spices and seasonings makes all the difference. Yokohama’s own Iwai Sesame Oil Company produces a range of high quality sesame oils, pastes and other flavorings that should keep you busy conjuring up new recipes.
Iwai was founded in 1857 in Sakura City, Chiba, but relocated to Yokohama in 1893 due to the city’s strong commerce. To this day, the company still employs its traditional methods of production, meticulously roasting the sesame seeds in a rotary kiln and carefully pressing them to extract the best of the oil. It uses no additives, so it’s not only delicious, but healthy, too. The pure sesame oil is perfect for pan-frying as well as cooking tempura or simply using as a dressing. The red chili-infused sesame oil (called ra-yu) is commonly used in tantanmen (a spicy ramen) or with gyoza, but feel free to get creative. Add a few drops to spice up Western dishes like omelets, jambalaya, pizza or charcoal-grilled chicken. The uses are endless and once you start using it, you may find your dishes lacking without it.
Iwai’s products are sold at any Yokohama Goods shop (yokohama001goods.org), but you can also order from home using its online shop. Iwai’s website additionally has recommendations for using the oils if you need a little creative push. The packaged bottles are light and easy to pack. They make good gifts for any food-loving friends or family.