Famed across Japan, Awaji Island onions are renowned for their delightful sweetness and tender texture. The aroma of these onions fills the air throughout Awaji Island during the harvesting season. Not just limited to culinary purposes, these onions have also become sought-after souvenirs, contributing to dishes like soups, snacks, and seasonings.
Table of Contents
- The History Awaji Island Onions
- Health Benefits of Awaji Onions
- Distinctive Traits of Awaji Island Onions
- Where to Eat Awaji Island Onions
- Aman no Shokutaku Utage (Robata Grilled Awaji Onion)
- Recommended Awaji Island Onions
- Buy Awaji Island Onions at CRAFT MARCHÉ
- Recommended Recipes Using Awaji Island Onions
- Introducing Awaji Island Onions to the World
The History Awaji Island Onions
Onions, recognized as one of the earliest cultivated plants, were introduced to Japan towards the latter part of the Edo period (1603-1868). Initially prized for their ornamental qualities rather than their culinary use, onion seeds were brought to Awaji Island in 1888. In the subsequent 130 years, the island gradually emerged as a significant producer of onions.
Health Benefits of Awaji Onions
Cardiovascular Support: The Power of Allyl Sulfide
Allyl sulfide, the compound responsible for the distinctive aroma of onions, offers significant cardiovascular benefits. Its natural blood-thinning properties help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and both cerebral and myocardial infarctions. By supporting healthy blood flow and regulating blood sugar levels, allyl sulfide can be especially beneficial for individuals concerned about cholesterol or diabetes. Additionally, its strong antibacterial qualities help protect the body from pathogens and viruses, further supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Antioxidant Protection: The Benefits of Quercetin
Quercetin, a powerful polyphenol found in Awaji onions, acts as a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This natural defense supports youthful skin by preventing wrinkles and slowing signs of aging. Quercetin also strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of colds and other illnesses, and may even help lower the risk of certain cancers. Additionally, it contributes to eye health, assists in regulating blood pressure, supports liver function, and helps combat metabolic syndrome, making it a valuable nutrient for overall well-being.
Fluid Balance and Recovery: The Role of Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral in Awaji Island onions that plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s fluid balance. By helping to remove excess water and salt, potassium reduces swelling and supports healthy blood pressure levels. When paired with vitamin B1, potassium can also accelerate recovery from fatigue, making it especially helpful after periods of physical exertion. This combination not only reduces tiredness but also helps prevent edema, contributing to a feeling of lightness and overall vitality.
Distinctive Traits of Awaji Island Onions
Awaji Island onions captivate with their irresistible sweetness, a gift of the island’s abundant sunlight and mineral-rich soil. Thanks to these exceptional growing conditions, these onions are approximately 1.4 times sweeter than their regular counterparts. Their elevated moisture content renders them tender and less pungent, rendering them perfect for raw consumption, particularly in salads.
Where to Eat Awaji Island Onions
Mori no Terrace (Awaji Onion Curry)
Indulge in curry rice that harmoniously blends the distinct sweetness of Awaji onions and savory curry, creating the perfect dish.
| Park Name | NIJIGEN NO MORI |
|---|---|
| Address | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| TEL | 0799-64-7061 |
| Website | https://nijigennomori.com/ |
| Reservations | https://ticket.nijigennomori.com/en/ |
| Operation Hours | Everyday10:00-22:00 *Each attraction has a different last reception time and closing time. |
Click here for details of NIJIGEN NO MORI
Aman no Shokutaku Utage (Robata Grilled Awaji Onion)
Savor the exquisite delight of a whole Awaji Island onion, grilled to perfection on a robata grill. The sweet onion easily peels apart and seems to melt in your mouth.
Click here for reservations (Utage)
Click here for reservations (Sajiki)
| Name | Aman no Shokutaku １F Utage ２F Sajiki |
|---|---|
| Address |
1042 Nojima-Tokiwa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | "Utage” 0799-70-9089 “Sajiki” 0799-70-9090 |
| Operation Hours | “Utage”: Weekdays 11:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) / Sat., Sun. & Holidays 10:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) “Sajiki” 11:00~15:00 / 17:00~21:00 (L.O.19:30) Closed: Tuesdays |
| Website | https://amannoshokutaku.jp/ |
| Reservations: Utage | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-utage/reserve |
| Reservations: Sajiki | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
| Review: Utage | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d24037141-Reviews-Aman_No_Shokutaku_Utage-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Review: Sajiki | https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d24037394-Reviews-Aman_No_Shokutaku_Sajiki-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of Aman no Shokutaku
Recommended Awaji Island Onions
Narui’s Onion Store
Cultivated by Narui, fondly known as the “Onion Father”, these meticulously cultivated onions are a result of his unwavering dedication, involving extensive research and persistent experimentation. By employing coarse salt and organic fertilizers, he has masterfully achieved onions that embody qualities of “sweetness,” “flavor,” “texture,” and “safety”. You will be taken aback by the size, sweetness, and distinctive qualities that set them apart from the onions you are accustomed to. Experience the extraordinary delight of Awaji Island onions, renowned as the sweetest in Japan, encapsulating the passion and dedication of the “Onion Father” Narui.
Buy Awaji Island Onions at CRAFT MARCHÉ
CRAFT MARCHÉ offers an exclusive array of produce directly sourced from various local farmers. This includes morning-harvested vegetables and processed items incorporating Awaji Island onions, making for unique souvenirs available only here. Among the favorites at CRAFT MARCHÉ are the renowned Awaji Island onions, procured from two dedicated farmers. We invite you to acquire these delicious Awaji Island onions, a testament to the farmers’ meticulous efforts and dedication.
| Location | CRAFT CIRCUS |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-2 Nojima-Hirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 15 minutes by car from Awaji IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. 10 minutes by car from Iwaya Port (Jenova Line Ferry). A free shuttle bus is available. |
| Parking | 80 spaces |
| Business Hours | Weekdays: 10:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) Weekends/Holidays: 9:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) |
| Closed | Thursdays (excluding national holidays) |
| Tel | 0799-82-1855 |
| Website | https://awajicraftcircus.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/craftcircus/reserve |
Click here for details of CRAFT CIRCUS
Recommended Recipes Using Awaji Island Onions
1. Whole Onion Soup
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
- 2 onions
- 500ml of water
- Bacon
- 2 teaspoons of consommé
- Salt and pepper
How to Make
1. Peel the onion and cut off the root and stem.
2. Put ingredients number 1 to 4 in a pot and cook over medium heat.
3. After simmering for about 10-15 minutes, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Steamed Onion Steak
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 30ml of water
- 1 tablespoon of salad oil
- Salt and paper
- 5g butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
How to Make
- Cut onion into round slices (thicker slices are recommended).
- Put ingredient 3 in a frying pan, add ingredient 1, and cook slowly on both sides over medium heat.
- When slightly browned, sprinkle ingredient 4 into onion, put in ingredient 2, and cover the pan.
- When the moisture is gone, add ingredient 5 and 6, toss, and then it’s done!
Introducing Awaji Island Onions to the World
Awaji Island onions have gained immense popularity not only within Japan but also globally. Initiatives have emerged to showcase Awaji Island onions on the international stage, leading to the creation of the “Onion Ring Song”. This song goes beyond celebrating onions, conveying a profound message of aspiring for global harmony through a chain of smiles united by the symbolism of onions.
