Osaka prefecture may not yet be widely noted for its agricultural produce, but there are plenty of vegetables here that locals are proud of – mizunasu from the Izumi area among them. These eggplants are known for their crisp, apple-like skin and naturally sweet aroma, and are typically eaten pickled.
To get a taste of the local treat at the source, visit mizunasu speciality shop Makoto Shoten in the city of Izumisano. The eggplant pickles here are only sold between April and October, when the vegetable is in season. If you can’t make it during that time, pick up a pack of the year-round jakogoko, tiny shrimp cooked together with pickled mizunasu and best enjoyed on top of a bowl of rice.
During autumn and winter, Makoto Shoten sells boxed lunches (from ¥1,000) as well as a few side dishes (from ¥300) made with organic vegetables and other local ingredients.