Bettarazuke facts for kids
Bettarazuke (べったら漬) is a special kind of pickled daikon radish. It's very popular in Tokyo, Japan. Think of it as a tasty snack or side dish, part of a group of Japanese pickles called tsukemono.
Contents
What is Bettarazuke?
Bettarazuke is made by pickling daikon radish. This means the radish is soaked in a special mixture. The main ingredients are sugar, salt, and sake. What makes it unique is that it also includes koji (a type of mold called Aspergillus oryzae) that isn't filtered out.
Why is it Called Bettarazuke?
The name Bettarazuke comes from how it feels. The word "bettara" means sticky. This stickiness comes from the koji that is left in the pickling mixture. So, it's like "sticky pickles"!
Taste and Texture
Bettarazuke has a delicious crisp and sweet taste. It's different from another popular pickled daikon called takuan. Bettarazuke has more moisture because it doesn't need to be dried in the sun. This gives it a fresh, juicy crunch.
The Bettara Fair
Every year, on the night of October 19, there's a special event in Tokyo. It's called the Bettara Ichi, which means "Bettara Fair." This fair happens around the Takarada Ebisu shrine. People go there to buy the freshly made Bettarazuke for the year. It's a fun way to celebrate this unique Japanese pickle!
See also
In Spanish: Bettarazuke para niños