Kyoto Senmaizuke of Thinly Sliced Shogoin Turnip
Senmaizuke thinly slices large Shogoin turnips, lightly salts them and seasons the translucent rounds with kombu, vinegar, sugar and chili for a crisp, gently sweet-sour winter pickle. One...
At a glance
| Name | Kyoto Senmaizuke of Thinly Sliced Shogoin Turnip (Senmaizuke) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Kyoto |
| Region | Kansai |
| Type | Thin winter Shogoin-turnip pickle with kombu and chili |
What is it?
Senmaizuke thinly slices large Shogoin turnips, lightly salts them and seasons the translucent rounds with kombu, vinegar, sugar and chili for a crisp, gently sweet-sour winter pickle.
One of Kyoto's three celebrated pickles, it is closely tied to the turnip's main November-to-February season; thousand slices describes many layered rounds, not an exact count.
History and local context
The present thin-round style is traditionally credited to late-Edo imperial kitchen worker Daito Tozaburo, who selected turnips grown around Shogoin and sold the resulting pickle after leaving court service.
Thickness, kombu, acidity, sweetness, fermentation and shelf life vary by producer. Shogoin turnip must not be confused with the separately named Shogoin daikon.
How to enjoy it
Fold a slice around some kombu and serve it with rice, sake, grilled fish or a richer Kyoto meal. Use clean utensils, refrigerate and follow the short date of this lightly pickled food.
When seeking a seasonal traditional version, check the vegetable, production area, cut, maker and date rather than assuming every year-round sliced-turnip pickle is identical.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kyoto Senmaizuke of Thinly Sliced Shogoin Turnip from?
It is associated with Kyoto, in the Kansai region of Japan.
What kind of food is Kyoto Senmaizuke of Thinly Sliced Shogoin Turnip?
This guide classifies it as thin winter shogoin-turnip pickle with kombu and chili. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Kyoto Senmaizuke of Thinly Sliced Shogoin Turnip online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
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