The Natto Journey Continues!

Welcome to the eighth issue of "Natto Talk!"

I'm thrilled to continue on this journey with you and explore the fascinating world of fermented soybeans and Japan together.

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April/May 2024, Natto Talk - Issue #8

In this eighth edition, you will learn about:

1. The Origin of the Starting Date for School in Japan

2. Images of Sakura in 2024

3. A quick and easy natto recipe

4. This month's Japanese word from Simply Natto's "Natto Lingo"

The Origin of the Starting Date for School in Japan

As I sent my kids off to school for the new school year (it begins in April here in Japan), I started thinking that I actually don't know why the school starts in the spring.

So I decided to find out why!

To answer this question I thought it best to ask some of my Japanese friends if they could tell me.

I also did some research on the internet to uncover any other details that my friends and family members weren't able to teach me about.

To discover what I learned about and find out the origin of the starting date for school in Japan, click the link to read the article that I wrote. Medium.com - School Year Origin Article

Cherry Blossoms 2024

The cherry blossom season has come and gone.

The weather was a little better than in previous years, but we did still have some rainy, cool days.

The sakura were very beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing the sea of pink and white next season.

I've included some pictures of the sakura from 2024 that I was able to capture for you to enjoy as well.

April/May Recipe: Quick & Easy "Natto Protein"

For this month's recipe idea I wanted to add onto the previous month's recommendation of natto and canned tuna with flaxseed oil.

I've tried out this recipe a few different ways, and just like in last month's issue, I wanted to share it with all of you first before posting anything about it on my social media sites.

How To Make

Things You Need:

1. Package of natto (40-50g)

2. Can of tuna in flaxseed oil

3. Fresh cracked black pepper

4. Optional: Soy sauce

5. Egg(s)

6. Optional: rice

*If you don't eat rice, or don't want to use rice, I recommend slicing up some avocado and tomatoes and adding that instead.

Oh wow! I really want to eat it that way now too!

Step 1: Open the package of natto and remove the inner plastic and included sauce and mustard.

Step 2: Open the can of tuna in flaxseed oil and pour half of the contents onto the natto.

Step 3: Add some fresh cracked black pepper to the natto and tuna.

Step 4: Mix the natto 20-30 times.

Step 5: Add the remainder of the tuna to the natto and mix again (*If you'd like to add a little more flavor to this dish, sprinkle a few drops of soy sauce).

*I recommend using a bowl when making this natto recipe.

Step 6: Scramble some eggs (or fry some)

Step 7: Add the eggs into your bowl of natto.

Step 8: Add some rice into the bowl (or add the slices of avocado and tomatoes if you're going without rice)

Step 9: (Optional) Now I haven't tried this yet, but I definitely will be. Top the dish with a slice of cheese ( or a few slices!!) and enjoy.

I've really enjoyed this nato dish and I hope you will too!

Want to learn more about fermented soybeans and their nutritious goodness?

Discover more by clicking on the following link: fermented-soybeans.html

Simply Natto's Language Corner

This month's Japanese word is:

卵

(tamago)

"tah-mah-go"

meaning: egg(s)

Here's a video on how to pronounce 卵 (tamago) and what it means. YouTube Video - Natto Lingo - Tamago

What to do Next?

Comments? Ideas? Feedback?

What did you think of the canned tuna, natto, and egg combination?

Did the flavors suit your tastes?

Did you replace the rice with some avocado and sliced tomoatoes?

I'd love to hear from you.

Just reply to this publication, or leave a comment on the videos, and tell me what you think!

To all of my fellow "Natto Foodies," thank you for joining me on this natto-filled adventure, and I look forward to sharing and discussing more natto goodness with you in our next issue of Natto Talk.

Until next time!

Justin