Sagohachi Koji Pickles | Fukushima

Sagohachi-zuke uses a sweet-savory fermented bed made from rice, rice koji, and salt to season cucumber, eggplant, turnip, carrot, and other vegetables. It is strongly associated with...

Sagohachi Koji Pickles | Fukushima
Illustration showing the defining features of the food.

At a glance

NameSagohachi Koji Pickles | Fukushima (Sagohachi-zuke)
PrefectureFukushima
RegionHokkaido & Tohoku
TypeVegetables pickled in a fermented bed of rice, rice koji, and salt

What is it?

Sagohachi-zuke uses a sweet-savory fermented bed made from rice, rice koji, and salt to season cucumber, eggplant, turnip, carrot, and other vegetables. It is strongly associated with Fukushima and is also known elsewhere in Tohoku.

History and local context

The name is widely linked to proportions of three, five, and eight, but sources and products differ over whether rice or koji is the five or eight component, and modern formulas vary. The label is more reliable than the number alone.

How to enjoy it

Wipe off a little bed and taste before rinsing. Follow the package for water, time, refrigeration, and reuse, and never reuse a bed that touched raw meat or fish for vegetables eaten without cooking.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sagohachi Koji Pickles | Fukushima from?

It is associated with Fukushima, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.

What kind of food is Sagohachi Koji Pickles | Fukushima?

This guide classifies it as vegetables pickled in a fermented bed of rice, rice koji, and salt. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Sagohachi Koji Pickles | Fukushima online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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