(PRODUCT SHARING) Oshi Mugi from Aichi Prefecture at METRO IPPIN

‘Mugi’ your way to upgrade your rice’s nutritional value, deliciously!

Oshi (brand) Mugi ($9) is a type of rolled / pressed barley from Japan’s Aichi that is regarded  as “super food” for its nutrients and high amount of fiber. Its fiber content is greater than the quinoa and brown rice I have, and 15 times more than white rice.

The Japanese like to add a small amount of mugi to their rice (Mugi Meshi) and have them cooked together. The rice mixture will become more nutritious, and have a new dimension in flavor that is particularly sweet and nutty to me. Mugi Meshi tasted really good and I enjoyed its overall chewy texture.

The recommended rice to barley ratio is 7 : 3 but after some experimenting, I like it at 1 : 1 because I love my food to have more bites and textures. You can cook the mugi with the rice at the same timing because the barley is pressed to increase surface area for shorter cooking time.
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We should try to eat more mugi whenever possible. Try ways such as cooking them in a porridge or baking them in breads since its soluble fiber can reduce cholesterol intake and keep us feeling full for longer.

Oshi Mugi can be purchased at Ippin Section of Metro Centerpoint Level 4.

(PRODUCT SHARING) miu Tomato Juice (Gold) by Nagoya LIDA Farm at METRO IPPIN

This is a holy grail for someone starting on tomato juice!

I have been drinking tomato juice which I believe for its health benefits, so looking out for more varieties and taste testing become relatable to me.

How often do you see tomato juice being bottled up so beautifully? Only the Japanese would and this miu Tomato Juice Gold ($40) from Nagoya Lida Farm is absolutely stunning with its long flute-like bottle. It bottle contains 300ml of tomato juice that is translucent.

miu Tomato Juice Gold has got gold standard because it is made from cherry tomatoes harvested in Nagoya, which is famous for their high sugar content. The sugar is produced naturally with the help of organic fertilizer, bonito and kelp. This tomato juice has no additional sugar, salt, coloring or preservatives. It is also additive and chemical free.

miu Tomato Juice tasted light and refreshing, almost like a tomato drink instead of juice. This is a little different from Ajikoi Tomato Juice (that I reviewed previously) which is thicker in viscosity and heavier in taste. Best to serve this tomato juice chilled or you can use it as a cocktail ingredient.

miu Tomato Juice (Gold) can be purchased at Ippin Section of Metro Level 4.

(PRODUCT SHARING) Umaiya Simmered Oysters from Hiroshima at METRO IPPIN

Simmered oysters, anytime, any day!

I love oysters, mad love. Be them at raw or cooked, lightly seasoned or heavy with sauce. I also love to add those rehydrated dried oysters that are sold in chinese grocery shops, into my dishes.
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Oysters are often termed as a delicacy because of being high in proteins (glycogen & amino acids), and minerals (calcium and zinc). Japan Hiroshima produces quite a good number of oyster varieties, which are popular around the world.
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These Umaiya Simmered Oysters ($29) from Hiroshima is great for oyster lovers who enjoy a chewier texture. The oysters are not big in size but plump. The briny taste of the oysters are enhanced with the simmered of japanese soy sauce and sake. This Tsukudani (small seafood simmered in soy sauce and sugar) has great flavor and is perfect to have them over saké or beer.
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Besides having this as a side dish right out of the package, you can be creative and use it as salad topping. You can also serve it as an appetizer with some crackers as a canapé. Using it as a sushi ingredient can be delicious too. I love to add it into boiled porridge, right after i got it off the flame.
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Umaiya Simmered Oysters can be purchased at Ippin Section of Metro Centrepoint Level 4.