Okyu-to

The history of Okyu-to is believed to date back to ancient times.

In ancient Japan, Fukuoka was the homeland of maritime peoples, notably the Azumi people (安曇族), who were responsible for overseeing sea transportation.

It is said that Okyu-to originated as food eaten by these Ama People (海人族).

As evidence, in Azumino City (安曇野市) in Nagano Prefecture—where members of the Azumi people later migrated during the late ancient period—a similar food made from the same kind of seaweed is still eaten today, known as "Ego," despite the area being inland.^[3]

For the Kyushu people, who were historically a seafaring nation, Okyu-to holds special sacred significance.^[4]

The main ingredients, Egonori (also known as "ego grass," "Okyu-to grass," and called Makusa in Hakata) and Okiten (also called Kebo in Hakata, a type of Igisu or Gelidiaceae seaweed) are first washed with water. Depending on their condition, they are sun-dried between one and five times. The yield rate is about 70%, but skipping this drying process results in an inferior flavor and a darker color. Since the drying process diminishes the fragrance of Tengusa (Gelidium), for home use, people sometimes reduce the number of washings.

Next, the sun-dried Ego grass and Okiten are mixed at a ratio of approximately 7:3 or 6:4 and pounded thoroughly. Vinegar is added to the mixture, which is then simmered and strained. It is molded into an oval (koban) shape and allowed to solidify at room temperature. In Hakata, it is common to find Okyu-to sold rolled into a cylindrical shape.

To eat, it is cut into strips about 5 millimeters to 1 centimeter wide, placed over dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi), and garnished with grated ginger or chopped green onions. It is typically enjoyed with condiments such as plain soy sauce, mustard soy sauce, ponzu soy sauce, or sesame soy sauce.

Okyu-to is primarily consumed as a part of breakfast.