Monday, October 24, 2011

Japanese dog's tooth violet (cooking starch?)

Well,  I had been thinking that katakuri-ko (Japanese dog's tooth violet - flour) is made from corm (flower bulb) of katakuri.
Out of the blue, I was asked from hubby if I knew what katakuriko is made from.  I answered "katakuri" straight away.  Oh, my!!!  He giggled at me making a bit surprised face. It is made from potato not original lily......   
As this Wikipedia page says,  (quote) "Katakuriko is now often processed from potatoes, which are much cheaper, as true katakuriko is now quite costly and is rarely available in stores."   Haha, I am SO embarrassed by my ignorance. 
(Please, do not ask me how long I have been a house wife)
And this page intrduces "Flour & Starch" we use in Japan.

Anyways, I am happy if you have fun with this flower (pictures are all from pc-site as well as the you-tube)


クリックすると新しいウィンドウで開きます




I hope you can enjoy the stroll



PS>  I was to use the starch to make this Chinese-style bowl-dish with rice.

16 comments:

  1. I have once again learnt something new. I had never heard of Japanese Dog's Tooth Violet. What a gorgeous little flower and such pretty leaves, too. It does not resemble the violets I know. It reminded me a little of a miniature Cyclamen flower. I would not have known this plant was traditionally used to extract a starchy foodstuff for use in Japanese cooking, either! How interesting that potato flour is now used as a substitute. I know very little really about Japanese cooking and tend to associate it most readily with Sushi, which is all the rage here. I'd love to learn more about the dishes you traditionally make, Orchid!

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  2. Oh, I wondered why that pretty little flower is named 'Dog's Tooth' ? It does not appear to resemble a dog's tooth to me at all. I wonder therefore, what gave it its name?

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  3. Dear Desiree,
    Come to think of it, it does hold a strage name. Thank you so much for pointing out.
    Luckily, I found this page.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythronium

    It seems they were named by its long, tooth-like bulbs.

    Yey, I am happy that I could answer your question!

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  4. It's great to come to your blog. We learn things and see beautiful pictures. Thank you :))

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  5. Gosh another something I didn't know!
    The flower pictures are lovely especially on this chilly morning.
    The food looks quite delicious,maybe sometime you will share some recipes.
    Hugs

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  6. I so enjoy the new things I learn when I read your blog! Also, very lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing!

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  7. That is something that your hubby asked a question about a flower you were thinking about! It is a very pretty flower although it has a funny name. In English - flower/flour :) xo

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  8. Dearest Orchid,

    Indeed, most starches will be made from corn, potato or rice as it is more economical. There will not be enough of those lilies available for processing them for such high demand.
    Interesting post though!
    Love to you,

    Mariette

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  9. very interesting facts! love the look of the food. yum yum yum!

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  10. Beautiful flowers and interesting story!

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  11. Dearest Orchid san,
    Is that right? Katakuriko I never dreams of made from the Dog's tooth violet flowers.
    I look at the Dictionary it said you were right Orchid san:-)
    I start wondering that how many more
    we don't know about that????
    Shiranu ga hotoke ha ha ha
    Have a good week.
    xoxoxo

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  12. Oh, please don't be embarrassed, Orchid san! I've even never thought about what katakuri-ko was made from! Thank you for the info - I became a little bit wiser today. Hehe :-)

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  13. I have a feeling I will learn a great deal as I follow your blog, Orchid. I look forward to it. My blog, I am afraid teaches NOTHING. It is just a memoir, really.

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  14. Hi! I'm glad to fin you're enjoying your blog world. It's a shame that I haven't had enough time to blog for these months, though I have a couple of things to tell my friends on several experiences I had so far. I will come back when things get a bit slow. Let's enjoy the autumn.

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  15. Very interesting, Orchid. I have never heard of Japanese Dog's Tooth Violet. Oh, it is a beautiful flower. You so graciously teach us so many fascinating things. Thank you, dear friend.

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