I adore shopping for traditional foods that I grew up eating, such seaweed, beans, matcha, multigrain rice, and sweet potatoes, as a Japanese dietitian residing in the United States.
I occasionally visit Costco to get those necessities in large quantities. However, I got the opportunity to purchase at the Costco Yawata Warehouse in Kyoto during a recent trip to Japan, which you can access with your U.S. membership card.
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I was interested to see out how it stacked up against the American stores, and I was pleasantly impressed.
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The assortment of Japanese food was amazing, even though the design and a lot of the items were comparable to those in American stores. There were seasonal foods, local fare, and healthy snacks that I don’t often find at home. Looking through the goods and brands that were only available in Japanese supermarkets was enjoyable.
I wish there were more of these six longevity foods available at Costco locations in the United States.
In Japan, seaweed is a basic food. It is one of the most nutrient-dense plant-based foods you can eat because it is full of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols.
I discovered a large assortment, which included:
-
Mozuku
: A noodle-like, slippery seaweed that’s rich in
fucoidan
, a fiber known for supporting
gut health
,
immunity
, and even
bone strength
-
Nori
: Crispy seaweed sheets perfect for sushi and rice balls -
Aosa
: I love sprinkling it over soups or salad -
Wakame
: Often used in miso soup
I also like to keep kombu, hijiki, aonori, and kanten in my pantry, among other types.
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One of my favorite foods is tofu. It is highly adaptable to many different cuisines and a fantastic source of plant-based protein. It can be added to salads or soups or eaten on its own. My dogs even like it!
A huge selection of soy-based products, many of which are vacuum-sealed for freshness and shelf life, are available at Japanese Costcos. Among the options were:
-
Freeze-dried koya tofu
: Great for busy families. It rehydrates quickly and holds flavor well. -
Fried, powdered, and frozen tofu
: These variations are delicious, versatile, and easy to cook.
One of my favorite dishes is to soak koya tofu, chop it into cubes, and then boil it with carrots, peas, ginger, kombu, and dried shittake mushrooms. I add homemade miso paste at the end for a filling, well-balanced meal.
Every meal should include a variety of veggies, herbs, and roots, as I constantly advise my customers. More fiber, antioxidants, and vital minerals for a long life are all correlated with a wider diversity of plants.
Seeing a variety of food that is a little more difficult to locate in American supermarkets thrilled me:
- Japanese eggplants and cucumbers
- Mushrooms like enoki and shimeji
- Leafy greens like, mizuna, komatsuna, and hakusai (Napa cabbage)
There were even large quantities of Hokkaido potatoes, which are renowned for their superior quality.
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I enjoy cooking, but when life gets hectic, I need quick, healthful meals for both my customers and myself.
Japanese-style cooked fish, pickled vegetables, instant miso soups in paste and powder form (just add hot water and toss in some seaweed and tofu), and (my favorite) microwaveable multigrain rice bowls were among the clever assortment of ready-to-eat items that Costco Japan had to offer.
Of course, Whole Foods and other American supermarkets carry some of these products, but they are frequently more expensive.
One of my favorite snacks is rice crackers, which are rice crisps with a soy taste. I noticed kakino-tane, crescent-shaped crackers at Costco Japan that were frequently combined with peanuts. Sesame seeds, seaweed, soy powder, almonds, and even a few herbs were used to make other types of rice crackers.
In Japan, drinking green tea is a daily ritual rather than merely a beverage. It can be found in almost every home, restaurant, and vending machine.
I spotted family-sized packets of powdered teas, tea bags and loose-leaf varieties, and bottled green teas at Costco Japan. Nearly all of the customers had some sort of green tea item in their shopping cart.
Numerous studies have linked green tea to extended life expectancy and improved heart health. I always suggest replacing soda with something low in calories and high in antioxidants.
Michiko Tomioka, MBA, RDN, is a longevity specialist and licensed nutritionist. Her method is centered on a plant-based diet, and she was born and reared in Nara, Japan. She has had nutritional positions in food banks, charter schools, and drug rehab facilities. You may follow her at @michian_rd on Instagram.
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