Seasoning the Seasons

S4 E15: Tsukemono: Japan's Pickled Soul Food

Tsukemono is a simple food made by pickling vegetables and other ingredients in seasonings such as salt and vinegar. It started as a preserved food, and some are made by fermentation. It is never the main dish, but is an essential part of the Japanese diet. Every region has its own special tsukemono. Tsukemono can be enjoyed not only for its taste, but also for its flavor, color and the sound it makes when chewed. We take a journey of tsukemono around Japan.