Let the world spice up your life.

Cafetalk Tutor's Column

Tutor David 's Column

Okinawan Local Food, Drink and LONGEVITY secrets!? - Part 1

Nov 14, 2017

As I have mentioned before in a previous post - Okinawans live longer than anyone else on the planet. The area is very clean, the natural environment is stunning, the vibe is very relaxed, and the food and drink is healthy and locally grown and made!

Here is a brief list of some of the most common Okinawan local produce :

1. Beni-Imo - This is a vibrant purple sweet potato which has an incredibly distinct and sweet flavour. It is so colourful and tasty that it is used in many products on the island, including sweets and confectionary! Many scientists believe that it is in part due to regular comsumption of these potatoes that the Okinawans live such long and healthy lives!

2. Goya - Often called 'bitter melon', this is a very healthy vegetable which is commonly seen in Okinawan dishes. It has an interesting bumpy outer texture, and is not surprisingly very bitter to taste! It is so popular over here that it is even used in a local beer, called 'Goya Dry', which is delicious.

3. Awamori - This is a fermented rice drink which is indigenous to Okinawa, Japan. It is made from long grain indica rice, and is not a produce of brewing, but of distillation. Nowadays, the rice is all imported from Thailand, and locally the drink is 30-43% alcohol. It is a very pure spirit and in my view tastes like a strong sake (さけ)crossed with a shochu! It is extremely popular in Okinawa, and you will see it for sale in every shop, bar and restaurant.

That is the end for part 1! Please keep reading to learn more about the Okinawan fruits, vegetables and products. Perhaps the words in these columns could help you to learn the secrets of Okinawan health and longevity! Who knows......

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a highly experienced professional English teacher, Yoga Instructor, Tai Chi teacher, Nutrition Consultant and Personal Trainer from London, UK. I recently left London to work and travel around Japan on a Working Holiday Visa with my girlfriend Ashley (who is also a teacher on Cafetalk : https://cafetalk.com/tutors/profile/?id=54542&lang=en ). We love sharing adventures travelling, teaching, exploring and understanding new cultures. We hope to speak with you soon!

Please check out my lessons if you are interested in learning real, authentic British English, or have an interest in Yoga, healthy eating or general health and fitness.

Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a lesson at a time in which my schedule is not open. I will always do my best to accomodate every student.

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

Got a question? Click to Chat