Gallery

Kyushu…fresh mountain air, stunning scenery and locally grown produce. Last year my Australian family spent a week exploring this beautiful region of Japan. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to receive a sample box containing fresh food from Kobayashi City, Kyushu. This beautiful region sits at the foot of the Kirishima Mountains, in southwestern Miyazaki Prefecture. Delicious food made our family holiday such a memorable experience - why not try some more? The Kobayashi sample box contained a wonderful selection of Daiwa Farm cheese. The produce has won numerous awards in the All Japan Natural Cheese Contest. Upon tasting, it is easy to understand why. The selection contained three unique types of cheese and a refreshing yoghurt drink. All are produced from the famous Miyazaki cattle. Each cheese inspired me to try different recipes according to the age and type of cheese. The results invoked wonderful memories of my family exploring the plateaus and mountains surrounding Kobayashi City. Daiwa Farm’s mozzarella is a soft and delicate cheese. It blends beautifully with free-range eggs, fresh mushrooms, red pepper and spring onions. I decided to use my cast iron skillet to whip up a frittata. I was reminded of the wonderful selection of organic vegetables grown in Miyazaki. This dish is extremely versatile. With quality ingredients, including Daiwa mozzarella, experiment with seasonal vegetables to create a delicious meal. This frittata pairs well with a buttery Chardonnay. The mountains surrounding Kobayashi City provide a wonderful environment for exploring. Discover waterfalls, gorges, lakes and the vibrant Ikoma Plateau, also known as the “Plateau of Flowers”. Being outdoors always works up an appetite! Remembering our family walk over the Aya Suspension Bridge, I was inspired to cook a simple, yet satisfying pasta meal. Using good quality spaghetti, I garnished the dish with shavings of Daiwa’s Tomadaiwa cheese, olive oil and parsley. Tomadaiwa cheese is aged for two months and adds the perfect bite when sprinkled lavishly over any type of pasta. It’s not complete without a glass of wine to drink to good health- Kanpai! The Robidaiwa washed-rind cheese from Daiwa Farm is a creamy, soft cheese that is best served at room temperature. Summer evenings make it the ideal time to serve cheese and crackers, either before or after dinner. I chose Australian Savoy crackers to add a bit of crunch to the texture of this creamy cheese. I would recommend serving Robidaiwa as part of a cheese platter. Add celery and carrot sticks, quince paste and Miyazaki grapes- your family and friends will thank you! Finally, no one can visit Miyazaki and not try the stunning selection of fruit. Kobayashi City offers you the chance to pick your own fruit, directly from the orchards. You must try mangoes, grapes and the citrus fruit of Miyazaki, known as “hyuganatsu”. My Daiwa Farm selection contained drinking yoghurt. In honour of the fruits of Kyushu, I added fresh strawberries to blend into a delectable smoothie. You can pick your own strawberries in Kobayashi City from January through to May. It has been just over a year since my family spent time exploring and relaxing in Miyazaki Prefecture. I recommend staying in Kobayashi City and being surrounded by green pastures, lakeside forests and fields of flowers. Make sure you include a trip Daiwa Farm. Choose your own selection of cheese and remind yourself of holidaying in this little slice of heaven. This post is supported by Kobayashi City Promotion Company Inc., one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.