Ibaraki Prefecture is known as Japan's top producer of dried sweet potatoes (hoshiimo). One event where you can experience this charm all at once is the annual "Hoshiimo Competition." The venue is the easily accessible New Port Hitachinaka Fashion Cruise, making it a great stop for tourists. It's a valuable opportunity for international visitors to learn about Japan's food culture and regional specialties.
What is the Hoshiimo Competition? A chance to compare and taste dried sweet potatoes from Ibaraki!
The Dried Sweet Potato Competition is an event where dried sweet potato producers from Ibaraki Prefecture come together to compete in quality, taste, and appearance. The flavor of dried sweet potatoes can vary significantly depending on the variety of sweet potatoes used, the processing methods, and the drying techniques. At the competition, outstanding dried sweet potatoes are selected through expert judging and votes from around 2,000 consumers, revealing that year's "must-try dried sweet potato."
Difference from the National Sweet Potato Snack Grand Prix
In the world of dried sweet potatoes, there is also a major evaluation event called the "National Dried Sweet Potato Grand Prix." For instance, a producer who has won the Grand Prix may receive a silver or bronze award at this competition, showing that the results can vary widely.
On the other hand, it makes you wonder, "What does the dried sweet potato that surpassed that famous producer taste like?" This naturally sparks interest in dried sweet potatoes from other producers as well. The exhibition is not just about rankings; it’s a great opportunity to discover a variety of flavors and the unique techniques of different makers.
Highlights of the 19th Sweet Potato Festival
The 19th Hoshiimo (dried sweet potato) Competition has gathered a variety of producers, including those who have been making dried sweet potatoes for many years and others who have won awards multiple times. By comparing a large number of dried sweet potatoes all at once, you can truly appreciate the range of techniques and flavors that Ibaraki's Hoshiimo production has to offer.
Even though they all share the name "dried sweet potato," each variety offers a delightful range of sweetness, color, and texture. One of the unique charms of this event is the joy of discovering the dried sweet potato that perfectly matches your personal taste through tasting comparisons.
Recommended Dried Sweet Potato Experience for International Tourists
For travelers from abroad, dried sweet potatoes are a truly unique traditional Japanese food. Made without any added sugar, they showcase the natural sweetness of the sweet potato, making them appealing to health-conscious individuals. At exhibitions, you may encounter dried sweet potatoes that are typically only available in their production areas, making them a great option for those looking for a special "souvenir" unique to Hitachinaka City.
The venue is Newport Hitachinaka Fashion Cruise.
The Newport Hitachinaka Fashion Cruise, where exhibitions are held, is a large commercial complex that brings together various restaurants and shops. It’s easy to stop by for a meal or shopping after enjoying the events, making it a convenient spot to visit during your sightseeing adventures.
Results of the Exhibition and Comparison with the National Sweet Potato Grand Prix
In the 19th Hoshiimo (dried sweet potato) Competition, gold awards were decided for various categories among the many producers. In the "Tamayutaka" category, Shinai Farm from Hitachinaka City won the gold award, while in the "Beniharuka" category, Hoshiimo Farm Kawakami from Tokai Village took home the gold. Additionally, in the "Rare Varieties" category, Oosuga Farm from Hitachinaka City received the gold award. These results show that even though they are all called "hoshiimo," the taste and texture can vary greatly depending on the variety and the producer, reflecting the local climate and unique production methods.
On the other hand, the annual "National Hoshiimo Grand Prix" evaluates dried sweet potatoes from across the country from a broader perspective. Notably, Oosuga Farm Co., Ltd. has won the grand prize, showcasing results that differ from those of traditional competitions. Since the judging criteria for the competition and the grand prix are different, the results may not always align. However, both outcomes serve as important indicators of the deliciousness and diversity of dried sweet potatoes. The joy of discovering your favorite type of hoshiimo through comparison is certainly one of the great attractions of the hoshiimo competition!