Tonburi edible plant seed (‘land caviar’) - 280 grams

Description

Tonburi, also known as “land caviar” or “field caviar,” is a unique Japanese edible plant seed derived from the summer cypress plant (Bassia scoparia). They are small, shiny, black seeds that resemble caviar in appearance but have a nutty and slightly bitter taste. Tonburi is often used in traditional Japanese cuisine, especially in the Akita region.

How to use tonburi in cooking

Before using tonburi, soak it in water to remove bitterness and hydrate the seeds. Rinse the tonburi seeds under cold water and then soak them in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. 

Tonburi is often used in salads. After soaking, drain the tonburi and mix it with other salad ingredients such as fresh vegetables, seaweed or tofu. Add tonburi to rice dishes such as sushi rice or chirashi-zushi (mixed sushi). After soaking and draining, mix tonburi into cooked rice. Tonburi can be added to clear soups or stews for a unique texture and flavor. In doing so, you add the soaked and drained tonburi to the soup or stew toward the end of the cooking process. You can also add tonburi as a garnish for various dishes, including cold tofu, sashimi, or even as a topping for donburi (rice bowls).