Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Autumn Appetite】

Alrighty, well, we're already well into October, the rice harvest is done, autumn veggies are just about at their peak and it's time to tuck into all of those hearty, hot dishes that are perfect for the season.Autumn is such a delicious season in Japan. Not only are different grains, rice and sweet potatoesabundant this season, but you've also got so many other seasonal ingredients like pears, grapes and chestnuts to enjoy. It's truly a fruitful season in Japan and is, no doubt, a pleasure for those who live here and also one reason why Japan feels its four seasons are so clear.

Did you know that in Japan, when people think of Autumn, they also think of the expression “Shoku yoku no aki”? It translates as “Autumn appetite” but we'd probably say Fall is the best season for eating or Autumn is the season for hearty appetites, in English. But why would we be hungrier in the Autumn anyway?Some say it's because the appetite we lost due to the heat in the summer has come back in addition to there being a ton of delicious season ingredients out there for us to enjoy. However, it seems there might be a bit of science behind this as well, as our basal metabolism, or the amount of energy we need keep our bodies functioning at rest, increases.

Whatever it is, I know that I've definitely got an appetite this season! Some of the main vegetables in autumn in Japan are potatoes, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, burdock root and sweet potatoes. Those ingredients sound perfect for making some delicious hot dishes! I'd probably make a nice stew with most of them with a sweet potato bake for dessert. What recipes do you have for this season?

【Info for when you are out and about! Uminonakamichi's Flower Festival from 9/19-11/3】

Of course with all of that delicious food we're going to eat, we need to burn off some calories so that we can eat more! And so I've got a great little autumn outing for you today.

Right now, and until Tuesday, the 3^rd of November, in Fukuoka's Higashi Ward at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, the Uminaka Hanamatsuri 2020 is being held. This is an Autumn flower festival and at the park you can see bright red, floofy, round Kochia. It's also known as fireweed, if you see it, you'll understand, and there are aabout 20,000 of them growing in a field at the park! It's pretty cool, I went a few weeks ago before they all went red and it was pretty amazing to see even then. Check the blog for some of my pictures, if you'd like.

You'll also see flowers like cockcomb and cosmos and there are different events over the weekend for you and your families to enjoy there. I spent the day cycling around the park, playing frisbee golf and picnicking with my friends.

If you visit between the 17^th of October to the 1^st of November, you'll be in time for the Uminaka Asian Festival. You can find out information about this and more if you just check https://uminaka-park.jp. Again that ishttps://uminaka-park.jp.

On the 18^th, entrance to the park is free, so it might be a great day to go! And of course, when you do go, make sure you wear a mask and practice cough etiquette as part of those measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as part of our new normal. Have a great time, maybe I'll see you there!