MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Grown and cultivated right outside the Monzen gate is the major crop of lotus root produced in the Iwakuni area.
The root is a popular food throughout Iwakuni and Japan, but many station members do not know how the root is prepared.
In order to increase their knowledge of the plant, station members met with local Japanese nationals for a lotus root cooking class through the Cultural Adaptation Program here Dec. 1.
The Iwakuni lotus root, originating from India, has been grown here for more than 200 years and is now famous throughout Japan.
The exterior of the root vegetable is covered with a peel that is a reddish brown color in appearance, with a white interior that has the appearance of lace.
Nine holes run through the root, which serve as airways for the plant.
“In Japan, it is considered to be a lucky food, because, through its holes, you can see the future and have good prospect,” said Hiroyuki Sasaki, member of the Iwakuni Lotus Root Promoting Council.
The meat of the lotus root has a texture that is slightly crunchy and mildly sweet. The root can be eaten as fruit, sliced and stir fried, or stuffed with rice and steamed as dessert.
Tender young lotus roots are good for salads, while starchy mature lotus roots are good for making soups.
During the class, approximately 10 women were taught about the lotus root, where and how it is grown, nutrition and health facts about the plant, and were shown several different ways the root can be prepared.
The first dish demonstrated was chocolatecoated, deep-fried lotus roots.
“They almost tasted like french fries or potato chips,” said Sheila Zeda, a participant in the class. “They would have also been really good with salt instead of chocolate.”
The women participated in making lotus root pizza dough, sauteed lotus root and lotus root salad.
Participants prepared each meal in groups of two or three and were helped by at least one other Japanese national.
Dressed in their own personally unique aprons, all of them peeled, sliced, chopped and grinded away at the potato-like plant.
For some of the classmates, it was a race to see which group could finish their products first, and for others they just enjoyed the company of the other participants and learning more about the Japanese heritage.
“I have only been here three months now, and this is my first class that I have done with the program,” said Jen McDonald, a participant in the class. “I was in culture shock up until about a week ago and events like these really help.”
The Cultural Adaptation Program assists with the transition into Japanese culture, offering local trips, newcomer classes and classes on the Japanese culture and language at a minimal cost.
The program also provides information on cultural events, such as local concerts and festivals.
The tours are designed to familiarize new arrivals with the air station and other local venues, but are also open to those who are interested in traveling and exploring Japan.
Understanding the customs and manners of a host nation can often be difficult tasks, and in Japan, important ones to master, but classes offered by the program explain the differences between American and Japanese customs and cultures.
Through these classes, participants gain confidence in their ability to speak their host country’s language as well as becoming accustomed to their new home.
“It’s really just a way to acclimatize yourself, adapt to being in Japan and a great opportunity to get to know other station members,” said Zeda.
After finishing their products, class participants sat around tables with their Japanese helpers and enjoyed the meal they created together.
“I was expecting a weird texture at first, but I actually really like the pizza we made,” said Zeda. “I think my daughter would really enjoy it.”
While struggling with the language barrier slightly, the 10 participants got to know the women who kindly helped them prepare their delicious meals over an arts and crafts project.
Not only did the women learn new skills during the class, but they also became much more comfortable in the environment they live in and left with new Japanese and American friends.
Some of the upcoming events offered by the program include the Japanese Emperor’s Birthday celebration, Dec. 23 and the New Year’s celebration, Jan. 1.
For additional information about upcoming classes or events hosted by the Cultural Adaptation Program, call 253-6165.