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--> --> Tempura: Another Japanese copy By Jeff Cheek In 1945, after eight long years of war, Japan was nothing but a bombed-out wasteland. Forty years later, Japan was the second largest industrial power in the world. This is a tribute to the disciplined, well-trained work force. It also highlights the Japanese genius for adopting some other nation's inventions or ideas and improving on them. These adaptations include certain foods we associate with Japan. AUTOMOBILES: The automobile is a western invention. When the first one was imported from America the Japanese called it an "Ai Rick Sha" (self-pulling wheel.) They abandoned this cumbersome title and began to say car, truck or auto. Their plants were soon turning out high quality vehicles that now command almost one third of the American market. TRAINS: This is another western invention, but the Japanese were the first to design and build the so-called "bullet train." The "shinkonsin" speeds passengers across Nippon at 140 miles per hour. European countries like France have since introduced their own bullet trains. BEEF: The Japanese people did not eat beef until 1872, when Emperor Meiji removed the curse on beef consumption by eating some. Today, gourmets around the world agree that the best steak in the world is Kobe beef. Young calves are raised in semi darkness. They are fed a rich diet that includes a gallon of beer every day. The farmer's whole family works, giving the steer a daily massage. The steaks from this pampered steer are sold for $100 per pound. SOYBEAN TOFU: Soybean curd, or tofu, is so widely used in Japan that everyone assumes it originated there, but it is another import. Some time during the Sung Period in China they discovered soy sauce. The next step was accidental. Sea salt was added to the soybean milk to preserve it. Sea salt coagulated it into a white paste, rich in minerals like copper, iodine, sodium, magnesium and potassium. It spread rapidly due to the rising popularity of Buddhism in China. Buddhism forbids taking life, and tofu is a high protein substitute for meat. Tofu reached Japan in 1212 AD. TEMPURA: In the sixteenth century, Portugal concentrated on exploring and trading with the Orient. They introduced corn, sweet potatoes, and peanuts to both China and Japan. They also brought Jesuit missionaries to Japan. In 1585 these priests taught the Japanese how to cook tempura. The word "Tempura" is from the Portuguese word "temporas" meaning Friday. Catholics were supposed to eat fish on Friday, and a style of deep frying fish had developed. As usual, the Japanese took a western idea and improved on it. They added batter dipped vegetables, like eggplants and sweet potatoes to the menu. Tempura became a national dish. By 1801, Edo (Tokyo) had a population of one million. Tempura stalls and restaurants lined the streets. Some fish shops began to deliver tempura to households, possibly inventing the first take out and delivery service in the world. If you wish, you can prepare your tempura at home. INGREDIENTS: Seafood of choice: Shrimp, fish, oysters, etc. Prepared tempura batter Vegetables of choice: Eggplant, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, daikon (mild radish), mushrooms, etc. Oil for deep-frying PREPARATION: Mix prepared batter as directed on package. Cut vegetables and fish into bite sized pieces. Heat oil very hot. Using long cooking chopsticks, dip each piece in batter, fry until golden brown. Remove, cool and dip into teriyaki sauce, or sauce of your choice. Jeff Cheek lives in Medford Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing