Grown in the terraced rice fields of the Zao Mountain Range in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, "Haenuki" is a rice variety characterized by firm grains, moderate stickiness, and sweetness. Because it retains its texture even after cooling, it is ideal for lunch boxes (bento) and rice balls (onigiri).
* **Name:** Non-glutinous rice (2024 / Reiwa 6 Harvest)* **Product Name:** Zao Rice - Haenuki* **Raw Material Rice:** Haenuki 100%* **Source Location:** Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture* **Net Weight:** 10kg (Brown rice equivalent)
*Note: This product does not contain the exact weight of the original brown rice. During the milling or rinse-free processing, the outer bran and germ are removed, making the final weight lighter than the initial brown rice weight. Please understand that the final weight will differ from the brown rice state.*
* **White Rice:** Rice with most of the bran and germ removed. The weight is approximately 90% of the original brown rice weight.
**Seller:** Genki Ijin Kenkyujo Co., Ltd.
### ◎ Product Information**Variety: "Haenuki"**"Haenuki" is nurtured in the terraced fields stretching across the foothills of the Zao Mountain Range in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture. This rice is a representative brand of Yamagata Prefecture, having consistently earned the "Special A" rating in the Japan Grain Inspection Association's taste rankings for over 20 years. Its high quality and flavor are highly regarded nationwide, making it a masterpiece suitable for both daily meals and special occasions.
**The Origins of Haenuki**"Haenuki" is an original Yamagata variety registered in 1992. It was born from a cross between "Shonai No. 29" (the mother), which is perfectly suited to Yamagata's climate and landscape, and "Akitakomachi" (the father), known for its stickiness and sweetness. Inheriting the characteristics of these two varieties, it was improved to adapt to the cool nature of Yamagata. Its name carries the wish to "inherit Yamagata's rice-growing culture and connect it to the future."
**Flavor and Characteristics of Haenuki**"Haenuki" features firm grains that cook up plump and glossy. With moderate stickiness and sweetness, it maintains its deliciousness even when cold, making it perfect for lunch boxes, rice balls, and sushi rice. It is characterized by a rich umami that spreads with every chew and a clean aftertaste, pairing exceptionally well with Japanese cuisine and everyday dishes. This well-balanced flavor is a result of the rice plants storing ample starch due to Yamagata's unique environment, characterized by large temperature fluctuations between day and night.
**Zao's Terraced Fields and the Power of Nature**The terraced fields where Haenuki grows are beautiful paddies spread across the steep slopes at the foot of the Zao Mountain Range. In these fields, mineral-rich snowmelt flowing from Zao nourishes the rice. Because fresh water is constantly supplied, the rice plants grow healthily. Furthermore, the unique topography of the terraced fields optimizes water circulation, and the rich soil supports the growth of the rice. This environment, where nature and human wisdom merge, creates the special deliciousness of Haenuki.
"Haenuki," created by the nature and traditions of Zao, is not just deep in flavor but is a grain filled with the landscape of Yamagata and the passion of its farmers. Please enjoy the aroma of freshly cooked rice, its plump texture, and the deliciousness that remains unchanged even after it cools.
*Note: This product does not contain the exact weight of the original brown rice. During the milling or rinse-free processing, the outer bran and germ are removed, making the final weight lighter than the initial brown rice weight. Please understand that the final weight will differ from the brown rice state.*
* **1-bu Tsuki (Lightly Milled):** Rice with a small amount of bran removed. The weight is approximately 95% of the brown rice weight.* **White Rice:** Rice with most of the bran and germ removed. The weight is approximately 90% of the brown rice weight.* **Rinse-Free Rice (Musenmai):** Rice with additional excess bran removed from the surface of white rice. The weight is approximately 88–89% of the brown rice weight.