Island Circle Canteen Teams Up with Rouge to Host an Organic Fukujinzuke Handmade Workshop

Pickling is an age-old wisdom that has been passed down through the ages, used to extend the shelf life of food and also to add different flavors. By using sugar, salt, oil, vinegar or other seasonings to preserve vegetables, fruits or meats, after a period of time they take on a flavor different from the original produce. There are many pickling methods using the vegetables, fruits and spices of different regions, bringing together and showcasing the local terroir and cultural character of each place. The taste of pickling is the intersection of heaven, earth and people, a good flavor sealed in time.

Unlike Japan, Korea or northern China, where cold winters allow vegetables to grow, there is a need to preserve vegetables and meats through pickling and fermentation to extend their shelf life.

"Taiwan's climate and produce are extremely rich, and with the passing of each season there are the best and sweetest fruits and vegetables, and we use pickling to preserve those flavors."–so says Rouge Food Society, a pickling craftsperson

In winter, root vegetables are abundant, root vegetables can be prepared in many ways, and they are also suitable for pickling; after root vegetables are softened by pickling, they absorb the aroma of the sauce, crisp and appetizing.

Pickling often requires pickling with the skin on, so choosing friendly, organic crops makes it more reassuring and healthy to eat~

Fukujinzuke originates from Japan, made by pickling seven kinds of seasonal vegetables in a naturally fragrant and mellow sauce; it has a refreshing texture, is appetizing and cuts through greasiness, and can also add layers of flavor to food.

Island Circle Canteen has teamed up with Rouge for the Organic Fukujinzuke handmade workshop, carefully selecting Leezen organic produce, such as white radish, red radish, lotus root, small cucumber, ginger, shiitake mushroom, chayote, yam, burdock, pumpkin and other seasonal seven kinds of vegetables and organic sauces. If you want to learn from a pickling craftsperson how to make a small dish for the Lunar New Year table, or to give as a New Year gift, you can sign up~