SANSAI

FEHU!! an unexpected bounty, amidst a satchel of others, growing out of forgotten places. an unusual cane-like growth holds an array of texture and flavor from stalks fresh enough to snap off with a comical "pop". at the more fibrous green base, a sweetly tart crunch reminiscent of rhubarb ... towards the younger growths at the top, a soft and moist chewiness unusually close to maitake. upon the discovery, my hesitance for assured classification left with a quickness and i found myself snacking on stalks as we were picking them ... mostly in celebration, but their sweetness is matched with tang from a hefty source of acid and that could keep my fingers creakier than i'd like them to keep up with these kind of adventures. however, they've mixed with other sweets very well like frozen tropical creme ...


or apple sansai ginger compote to mix with yogurt or oatmeal ... we'll eventually fry them with some garlic mustard to better balance the ph, too, but my sweet tooth always wins.


for now, apple sansai ginger compote will accompany my usual afternoon butter & banana sandwich(es).

// KAME


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