Tea estates in Darjeeling are very aware that organic sells. Some tea estates convert their whole operation into an organic one, while others simply can not afford the high costs that are needed to apply for certification. It takes about three years for inspectors to certify a tea estate as organic. But considering that the […]
Author Archives: Yoko Kumano
July 18, 2012
Postcard from Rio de Janeiro: Jackfruit
Jackfruit floating in a pond in at Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro.
July 12, 2012
Darjeeling Discovery: Castleton Tea Estate
Out of all the tea plantations I went to during my trip, Castleton seemed to have the most modern and well-kept facilities. The operation is large and the tea estate itself supports the livelihood of thousands of families. One of the defining characteristics of Castleton for me was the emphasis they put on “clonal teas.” […]
July 11, 2012
Postcard from Rio de Janeiro: Coco from Ipanema
Coconut water alongside the Ipanema beach. Coconuts are cut in front of your eyes along the beaches of Rio for 3-4 reais ($2). The water is clear and has a tinge of saltiness to it.
July 5, 2012
Darjeeling Discovery: Junpana Tea Estate
“What is different about the Junpana tea estate, from all the other tea estates in Darjeeling?” I asked BM Mudgil (manager of Junpana). To that he replied, “You will find out when you go there and experience it.” I knew the bullet points: established in 1899, elevation 2,500-5,500 ft, moves 75 tons of tea a […]
June 28, 2012
Darjeeling Discovery: Goomtee Tea Estate
Darjeeling reminded me of Hayao Miyazaki’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky. It is hidden within the thick cloak of fog and has an elevation of up to 8000 feet. As you approach Darjeeling from the small, but heavily populated Bagdogra aiport, the steep hills slowly reveal themselves. Looking down to the Junpana Tea Estate from […]
June 21, 2012
Tokyo JUNKtion: Matsunami Ramen
Matsunami Ramen was my first stop in Tokyo after a 9-day long trip of a lifetime to Darjeeling, India (more on that later). I was in Darjeeling and Tokyo on business but I was able to squeeze in a lot of culinary excitement into the trip. After eating spicy curries in India, and fresh herbs […]
May 24, 2012
Tokyo JUNKtion: The World Famous Awamori Wasabi-wari
I want Washio’s Awamori Wasabi-wari to be world famous, so I’ve gone ahead and named it “The World Famous Awamori Wasabi-wari.” It’s been out there on the WORLD wide web for over three years now, so I think it has earned its title. I caught the making of the world famous Awamori Wasabi-wari on tape […]
April 12, 2012
Japanify: Maguro Zukedon
My partner Washi recently got a job as a salaryman. This may not seem that odd until you consider the fact that he is living in Berkeley, California and to qualify as a salaryman, you are usually employed by a Japanese corporation. I will miss his face behind the bar at Ippuku. And I will […]
April 5, 2012
OPENharvest at the Headlands Center for the Arts
Exactly one week ago on March 26, about 150 people descended onto the Headlands Center for the Arts in Marin (just north of SF) for an OPENharvest food and art collective event. The Headlands hosted OPENharvest in a former gymnasium nestled within two hills. The space was filled with stories, artifacts and projections collected during […]