No-Azami In Higashi-Oka, Tsukuba
There are about a hundred types of AZAMI (thistle) in Japan, and as you can imagine, it is not an easy task to identify any particular one of these out of this great number. However, only one AZAMI can be found blooming at this time of year ( spring and early summer)- the NO-AZAMI (cirsium japonicum), which grows on AZE (the paths around rice fields), on riverbanks, and along country roads. On gray, misty rainy season days, their flowers seem to GLOW purple, atop their tall ( 60-100cm) stems. By mid-June, however, the no-azami`s spine-like petals start to fall away, only to be replaced by a dandelion-like FUZZ.
Thistles Getting Fuzzy
Like most thistles, no-azami are EDIBLE, though this variety might not be the most delicious (this allocade probably goes to the MORI-AZAMI, which blooms in autumn in Nagano, Gifu and Shimane Pefectures where it is actually cultivated for consumption!). You can eat the young leaves, stems and roots of this thorny plant, but be careful while picking them. Be sure to use gloves and scissors ! Snip off the thorns at the edge of the leaves, skin the stems. The leaves ( young leaves are best) can be used for tempura, and the stems boiled and seasoned as you like. The roots, if you have the patience to dig them up, can be boiled, too. They taste like GOBO (burdock), and are often served or sold at mountain inns as MOUNTAIN GOBO (yama gobo). I would certainly recommend sampling this earthy and rustic, wild vegetable at least once, you might even develop a taste for it!
thistles in Hanamuro, Tsukuba
Even if you dont, keep an eye open for then on Tsukuba`s country roads and paths. Their beauty might even stop you in your tracks. and lets not forget that these thorny flowers, relatives of the chrysanthemum, the symbol of Japan`s Imperial Family, are the National Flower of Scotland. One explanation for this is that in the times of the Viking invasions, one of the enemy, approaching barefoot, stepped on a thistle and gave out a cry, warning the Scots of their approach and giving them time to prepare for battle, and thus saving the day.
Here are some more on this months flowers:
Yeah, if I could found the no-azami on these rainy days, I would celebrate my ‘tanjobi’ yesterday… but Thanks to Blosom Anna!)
I found my pleasure there looking so many kinds of floral pots! I composed mine, assorted with small fish pot for the joy of the kids;)) Fortunately we have this kind of green refuge for keep our smile every day; Cheers!
As for the thistles and others ’sauvages’ herbs, I’m interested for all in our planet;) Thank you, Avi & Dear Blogger(s), to keep this topic!
Happy Birthday Nora! I hope that you had a good day ( and every day!).
As for me, I have to apologize to everyone for being so LAX about writing for TsukuBlog these days.
My trusty dog of many years, Tickles, who has accompanied me on many exploratory expeditions around Tsukuba and beyond, was hit by a car (she has lost most of her hearing these past couple of years) and was for a few days at deaths door. Thanks to the excellent care provided by the vet at ALEPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL, she survived. It seemed however, that she would be completely incapacitated and require TOTAL CARE.
Miraculously, Tickles, a tough old girl, one day hopped up on her feet, after a few weeks of lying on a mattress, and day by day she has been getting better and better at walking.
As you can imagine, this was all quite traumatic, and still I have to spend a lot of time for her REHABILITATION.
I hope that in a few more days, I will be able to spend more time writing for Tsukublog!
My apologies (but there are many exciting stories on the burner!)
Thank Goodness!)