Hello everyone!

This time, I’m going to introduce a simple recipe for a wild vegetable called “Beefchibee,” which you often see on the tables of islanders. It’s a frequent guest because it grows all over the island, much like the famous young fronds of the Giant Fern, which are known for their delicious taste. (Some say Iriomote Island is a treasure trove of ingredients… 😳)

🧑‍🍳 Tuna Salad with Beefchibee

Ingredients

・As much Beefchibee as you want to eat

・A pinch of salt

・Your favorite canned tuna

So, let’s start with the harvest!

1. Find some well-grown Beefchibee in your garden or around the area.

The plant circled in orange is Beefchibee ☝🏻. The soft parts at the tips of the stems are the edible portions!

Instead of using a bag, wrap them in a large leaf and pick them as you walk around. Once you’ve got a handful, it’s time to head home. 🏠

2. Wash the harvested Beefchibee thoroughly.

3. After removing any dirt, quickly blanch them and drain the water.

💡 The key is to blanch them briefly to retain the crispy texture of the Beefchibee.

4. Mix with tuna and salt.

And it’s done!! (So quick! 😂)

The simple seasoning really brings out the natural flavor of the Beefchibee, and it’s hard to stop eating it at our house 🤭🥢.

I also recommend trying it with wasabi and mayonnaise!

Among the many island home cooked dishes, today I introduced a recipe using Beefchibee ! It’s an easy dish to make, yet it’s full of the warmth of nature nurtured on the island.

If you ever visit the island, be sure to get some ingredients and give it a try! 😋