HOKKAIDO –
A snack with the pungent odor and taste of natto has been developed in Hakodate, Hokkaido, utilizing no natto micro organism however delivering an aroma robust sufficient to make folks react the second the bag is opened.
The product, Hakodate Dai-Chan Potato Natto Flavor, was launched in April with the Hokkaido dialect catchphrase “This Taste Makes You Laugh.” First-time tasters reacted with shock, saying the odor was unmistakably natto, with one noting that the aroma unfold out like freshly blended fermented soybeans.
The snack was collectively developed by a Hakodate natto maker and a snack producer. The largest problem was that natto micro organism couldn’t be used. Because natto micro organism multiply aggressively and may have an effect on the standard of different merchandise, they can’t be introduced into the manufacturing unit.
Instead, the builders blended powdered soy sauce and seasonings to breed the flavour and odor of natto with out utilizing natto micro organism. The result’s a “natto snack without natto,” bought at memento outlets and different retailers for 360 yen.
Daisaku Kobayashi, president of the Yamadai Group, mentioned the corporate wished folks to find and luxuriate in natto in a distinct kind. Masayo Tanaka, president of Daini Bussan, mentioned she was initially uncertain when requested whether or not her firm might make a natto snack, however was happy to participate due to the need to energise the area people by means of natto.
“Natto is freedom,” Kobayashi and Tanaka mentioned.
Whether a smelly snack can promote shouldn’t be a completely new query in Hokkaido. Jingisukan Caramel, a long-selling sweet that turned in style partly due to its status for tasting dangerous, has discovered success as a memento merchandise.
At the Hitsujigaoka store of the Sapporo Products Association, Tomomi Sugo mentioned Jingisukan Caramel stays a preferred product and sells nicely. A newlywed couple visiting from Gifu mentioned it appeared appropriate as a memento, although considered one of them mentioned he didn’t significantly prefer it. They mentioned it will work as an off-the-cuff reward at hand out one after the other.
Tourists from Yamagata who tried the caramel whereas strolling in Odori Park reacted strongly as the flavour set in. One mentioned it is probably not scrumptious, however added that it might be handed out to clients as a result of it will seemingly brighten up the dialog.
According to the developer of Jingisukan Caramel, the idea was “a snack you do not eat yourself.” Its use in social gathering video games and as a dialog piece helped flip it into successful.
Hakodate Dai-Chan Potato Natto Flavor is now aiming to make use of its odor in the identical manner. Kobayashi mentioned the corporate describes the product with the phrase “smelly but funny.” Tanaka emphasised that whereas the snack tastes like natto, it doesn’t really comprise natto.
Some tasters responded positively, saying the odor was clearly natto however the snack was tasty and would go nicely with alcoholic drinks. Others mentioned the natto odor was robust however satisfying, whereas one individual mentioned the aroma was personally interesting and never bothersome in any respect.
The corporations plan to increase gross sales nationwide.
Asked what sort of folks he wished to strive the snack, Kobayashi mentioned, “People who have not laughed recently. People who are bored or under stress. I want them to smell their hands and say, ‘It stinks!’ and laugh.”
“Natto is freedom,” Kobayashi and Tanaka mentioned.
Source: 北海道ニュースUHB