Shimairo Marche events put focus on local produce and goods

Local products made of local ingredients and materials is the motto of Shimairo Marche.

Local products made of local ingredients and materials is the motto of Shimairo Marche.

Various kinds of food-related events are currently very popular on Okinawa. A series of events called ‘Shimairo Marche’ are organized at various locations on the island several times throughout the year. These markets are designed to give visitors an opportunity to sample and purchase foods and local produce directly from farmers and makers of foods and other products, all strictly made in Okinawa.

Shimairo Marche events usually feature plenty of fresh farm produce.

Shimairo Marche events usually feature plenty of fresh farm produce.

Products displayed and sold at Shimairo Marche events are not limited to foods only. Producers and makers of hundreds of local products made of local natural ingredients and resources gather at the events. The markets also present producers a venue to appeal local products and processed foods to people from on and off the island.

Each event features many stalls introducing local goodies like fruit, vegetables and processed foods, and also give tips how to cook and enjoy them. One of the most fun things in these events is a chance to meet and talk with farmers and producers in person.

The next two Shimairo Marche events take place this weekend, Aug. 22 and 23 at Churaumi Plaza by the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu. The market is open from 10:00 to 18:00 on both days. Admission to the event is free.

The second event will take place along with a pre-event of the Island-wide Eisa Festival at Koza Music Town on Friday, Sep. 4th. That event is open from 10:00 to 20:00 at Koza Music Town Sound Market; 1-1-1, Uechi, Okinawa City. Admission is free.

Both Shimairo Marche events have plenty of products for sale. Examples include mango pound cake, lemon cake, milk tart, beni-imo (purple sweet potato) chips, scone, hijiki (sea weed from Yonabaru) bread, squid sausage, Ie Island Beef Yakiniku Bento and stew, large variety of Awamori, pickled papaya, ornamental plants and hand-made slippers.

23:02 02 Dec , 2024