This Ohitsu was made from natural wood in Sanjo City, Niigata. Used mainly to keep steamed rice warm for a long time, the wood absorbs damp or steam from the rice and prevents it from drying out. It also gives the unique wood smell to rice and makes the taste even better.
About
The Ohitsu has been used for many years through Japanese history. It was designed as a way to keep cooked rice moist and fresh. You usually see them on tables at Japanese restaurants as a way of housing your table rice.
Once you have prepared your sushi rice, transfer it to the Ohitsu. The natural wood absorbs the steam and prevents it drying out. The wood slowing infuses the rice with its aroma, giving the rice a more fragrant and delicious taste.
Details
Approx 27cm wide
Origin
Japan
Sanjō is located in an inland region of north-central Niigata Prefecture. It is about 2 hours from Tokyo via the Jōetsu Shinkansen