Known in Japanese as satoimo, these potato like vegetables (Colocasia esculenta) have a waxy texture and high sugar content. In Japanese cuisine, they are often served simmered.
A dark, powdered condiment of Hatcho miso, chopped burdock root, carrot and lotus root in unrefined sesame oil, cooked over a low heat for five to seven hours until crumbly and quite dry.
Whole soya beans are inoculated with the culture Rhizopus oligosporus and fermented to make this protein rich meat substitute. It originates from Indonesia, where it is extremely popular.
Soya bean curd, made by adding a coagulant (traditionally nigari) to soya milk. Available in silken (fine) and cotton (firm) variations, it is an intrinsic part of Japanese cuisine.