The product "Anzu Plum" from Hirokane's Umeboshi store "Kaneshime Ishita" (Takaya, Hirosaki City, TEL 0172-82-3410) won the Grand Prize at the "Pickled Grand Prix 2017" corporate division on April 30.

The competition invites individuals and corporations for unique pickle recipes from all over Japan and commends outstanding works. Judging was carried out based on the evaluation of actual meals by the judges, the exhibitors' presentations, and the votes of the event visitors. Of the 104 products entered from all over the country, 13 were selected for the final competition.

"Kaneshime Ishita" is a long-established store that was founded in the middle of the Meiji era and continues to follow the traditional manufacturing method. The "Apricot plum" which won the grand prix this time is made by hand-rolling only the apricot flesh with a large red perilla. 4th generation Nobuko Ishida said, "Anzu Plum was developed by the previous generation when only Shiso-maki Ume-zuke was sold. It has moderate acidity, sweetness and saltiness, and it also becomes an "eat sports drink". speak.

In the presentation of the examination, Mr. Ishida said that he took out the product from the apple basket in a white coat and talked about his thoughts on "Anzu Plum" with the history of the product. Mr. Ishida recalls, "I think it might have been nice to do it with Tsugaru dialect as usual without being distracted."

Regarding the award, Mr. Ishida said, “I had many people congratulate me, but it was because there were customers. Sometimes I can get hints on product development in conversation with customers, so I introduced in the presentation “Anzu "Ume no sushi rice" was also taught by the customer. Some of them even teach me arrangements that I can't think of. I would like to do my best for the customer in the future."