# Kaiso ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

**Cuisine Name**: Kaiso

**Region**: Our Regional Cuisines

## Main Lore Areas
From the Choshi region to the Kujukuri region center, the Kaiso region, and the Sanbu region

## Main Ingredients Used
Seaweed (kotojitsunomata)

## History, Origin, and Related Events
Kotjitsunomata, which is the origin of "Kaisou," is a seaweed about 20 cm in height that adheres to rocks in the intertidal zone. It grows in a regular pattern, branching out in two halves. It is said that its name comes from the shape of its branches, which resemble the strings of a koto (Japanese zither). The seaweed is thickened when heated and coagulates when cooled, and was used as a soap and adhesive in the olden days. At the end of the year, merchants from Choshi sold kotojitsunomata for the New Year, and this is how it came to be used in osechi dishes.It is customary to eat refreshing "kaizo" on New Year's Day, in addition to the more flavorful osechi dishes, to improve the digestion of the stomach. In some areas, it is also used for the Obisha Festival held on the small New Year's day.

## Opportunities and Times of Eating Habits
At the end of the year, it is prepared as an osechi dish. It is an essential dish for the New Year. Because of its refreshing flavor, it is a useful chopstick rest for Osechi dishes, which often have a strong taste.

## How to Eat
Wash kotojitsunomata thoroughly to remove dirt, then place in boiling water and simmer until thickened. When thickened, pour into molds, cool, and cut into bite-size pieces. The flavor of the sea can be fully enjoyed, so in addition to soy sauce, eat it with bonito flakes, green onions, and chili peppers on top. As an arrangement, finely chopped carrots and burdocks can also be shredded together to enjoy the different flavors and textures when eaten.

## Efforts for Preservation and Succession
Sold at supermarkets and roadside stations under the name of "Honkaiso" or "Kaiso" (seaweed).

## Ingredients
- Seaweed: 110g
- Water: 2L
- salt: a pinch

## Recipe
1. 1. Remove stones and shells from seaweed, wash quickly, and cut into 2 to 3 cm lengths.
2. 2. Put water and seaweed in a deep pot and let stand for about 1 hour.
3. 3. Start over high heat. When the seaweed begins to dissolve, reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until dissolved.
4. 4. When the bottom of the pot can be seen by drawing a line across it with a rice scoop, turn off the heat and pour the mixture into a container to prevent bubbles from forming.

## Provider Information
provider : "Boso no Furusato Ryori" (Agriculture Chiba Publishing Department)

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