Shinmai (new rice)

Best eaten: Cooked with chestnuts or mushrooms
Rice plays an important role in Japanese society and embodies the essence of its culture. The word “gohan” not only refers to cooked rice, but also to a meal. The first harvest of rice in autumn, called “shinmai”, is considered special and has a completely different taste compared with older rice. Softer and sweeter, new rice is processed and sold in the same year it is harvested. After December, it loses its “new” status and is no longer sold. Have a bowl of the naturally sweet rice with chestnuts or matsutake mushrooms while they are in season at the same time for a truly autumnal delight.