“Sumo Beya Chanko,” a popular product that allows you to easily enjoy freeze-dried chanko hotpot made at Sumo Stables.
We received detailed recipes from the stable masters and sumo wrestlers of each stable, and created freeze-dried prototypes.
This time, we bring you a report on the tasting of Takadagawa-beya's "Tai Dashi Chanko" (Sea Bream Broth Chanko)!
Takadagawa stable, located in Kiyosumi, Koto Ward.
Master Takadagawa invited us to try their chanko, hoping we would incorporate the taste into our development.
When we visited the stable, we could hear the energetic voices of morning practice even before entering.
Shonanoumi pushing four wrestlers
Master Takadagawa, the stable master, coached in his practice mawashi. Between calling out to the wrestlers, he did one-handed push-ups and shiko (sumo stomps).
Meanwhile, in the chanko room, veteran Oraidou was seen checking on the pot.
Preparation of the sea bream broth chanko.
This specialty chanko is made when sea bream is donated. After the flesh is eaten as meunière or sashimi, the bones are carefully grilled to remove any fishy smell, and then slowly simmered to extract the broth. The umami is incredibly concentrated!
Can the freeze-dried prototype reproduce this umami...!?
Immediately after practice, the stable master and rikishi were invited to taste it.
Master Takadagawa gave it his stamp of approval, saying, "The richness is just right," and Sekitori Terunofuji commented, "It's delicious. It has plenty of ingredients."
Meanwhile, Sekitori Shonanoumi said...
"It doesn't taste like anything."
The sekitori had sweated a lot during practice. He probably craved more salt. For wrestlers, it might be better to use less hot water after practice.
Sekitori Hakuyozan advised, "If the seafood flavor were stronger, it would bring out the unique character of the stable's chanko."
The actual product features a stronger seafood flavor than the prototype. Adding plenty of sesame and green onions as condiments will make it even closer to the taste of Takadagawa stable.
Enjoy the stable's proud taste in freeze-dried form! For product details, click here.
