Find out Baba Nasu, super-rare eggplant | SENSHU Japan, Heartland of Japan

On the 30th of every month, we post an article on the discovery and introduction of attractive resources in Senshu. This time, we would like to introduce Mr. Hatake, who grows a super-rare eggplant called “Baba Nasu” in the Baba district, not far from Mizuma Kannon Station, the last stop of the Mizuma Railway, which is easily accessible from Kansai Airport. Baba Nasu, grown in a natural environment is delicious if you eat it as a traditional Japanese pickle called “Tsukemono,” or just raw. Why does Mr. Hatake continue and try to grow Baba Nasu, which is difficult to grow and distribute? Let’s take a look at his thoughts.

Why Baba Nasu is called super-rare eggplant.

Baba Nasu is said to have been grown since the Muromachi period (1336-1573). But because its surface is easily damaged so that it is difficult to distribute, it has not been grown on a commercial basis. Therefore, some local farmers grow it only for the amount of own consumption. That’s why it is called the “super-rare eggplant.

Twenty years ago, Mr. Hatake’s father joined the project that starts a new farmer’s market in Kaizuka City and wanted to make a special new product. Then, he decided to grow Baba Nasu commercially again. However, normal eggplant can be purchased by a wholesaler, but Baba eggplant cannot be purchased by them because it is not a standard eggplant. For that reason, Mr. Hatake had to develop his own sales channels. This is one of the main reasons why it is difficult to grow Baba eggplant commercially.

Let us catch a glimpse of his life.

Mr. Hatake didn’t start farming after graduating from school. His first career is a office worker, so he spent time away from farming for a long time. However, at the age of 45, he decided to take a leap of faith. He quit his job and joined his family’s business, farming.

Mr. Hatake says, “I think it is my destiny to continue to grow Baba Nasu”. Although Both Growing and management are not easy when compared to growing ordinary eggplant, he is obsessed with keeping the Baba Nasu alive.

After start to farming, Sales Channels Expanded Five-fold

Mr. Hatake was salesman. Using his experience, he has increased the sales channels for Baba Nasu fivefold compared to before he started farming. Now, in addition to restaurants in Osaka, he also sells to the Ritz-Carlton and Swiss hotel and exports to Macao and Singapore.

Taste of Baba Nasu

Mr. Hatake gave us some Baba eggplants, so we tasted them. There are two kinds, one grown in the alley and the other in the greenhouse. The former had a rich flavor, while the latter had soft skin and a soft filling. In my case, I ate them both raw and they were very tasty.

Conclusion

Have you been able to understand the attraction of Baba Nasu? In the near future, I am going to write an article introducing restaurants where you can Baba Nasu and the place where it is sold, so please stay tuned!

Additional Information: One of the Finest restaurant where you can eat Baba Nasu

Why Don’t you try Baba Nasu Cooked by a top chef? At “Kappouya Yuzu” in Kaizuka City, you can enjoy a variety of dishes using Baba Nasu. Eating them simply as asazuke(lightly pickled eggplant), Kuzu-ni(stewed eggplant with kudzu), or honey-pickled Baba-Nasu is also recommended.