近江新生姜の収穫時期はネット情報によると10-11月が一般的だそうですが、地元の八百屋さんでは夏の間にも売られていました。一時期途絶えたあと、最近になりまた棚に並んでいたので２パックをゲット。保存食として冷蔵庫で長持ちさせます。
According to the information on the internet, the harvesting time for Ohmi ginger cultivar is October-November. However, some farmers go the extra mile to start harvesting them earlier than the competition, and my local greengrocer had these on the shelf during the summer months. I love making cold drinks using the slices in the summer, and hot drinks during winter, in addition to using them in various cooking. They last perfectly well in the fridge.
To prepare for slices, first remove the skin with a knife with care and patience.
使う前にタオルで水分をふき取りました。
After rinsing, remove the water with paper towel.
全部スライスしたところ。ステンレスボウルの容量は１リットルです。
I sliced all the pieces which fitted into a 1 litre bowl.
米酢と砂糖だけの簡単な組み合わせで煮ます。ショウガスライスがお酢と会ったとたん、お酢が淡いアプリコット色になります。
Cook rice vinegar with sugar - the amount of sugar is according to your taste. The moment the vinegar solution meets with the ginger slices, it tuns into a light apricot colour. This is the natural colour of high-end fresh ginger cooked in vinegar and sugar. If you see ginger slices coloured orange or red in a sushi restaurant, it is made of cheap stuff and artificial food colour.
Also, these ginger slices, cooked properly, have a silky texture.
完全にまぐれですが、ガラス容器に最後の一滴までぴったり収容されました。旬のあいだに、寒い冬の間の分も作っておきたいです。
Although entirely by a fluke, the whole content of the pot was accommodated into this one jar, to the last drop of the vinegar solution. While the harvesting season lasts, I intend to make enough for the winter months.
