Rakkyo: The Pickled Scallion Grown in Tottori's Sand Dunes

The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan's largest sand dunes open to the public (a larger dune system exists in Aomori, but it sits mostly within a restricted military test site), and rather than being purely scenic, parts of them are cultivated farmland, most famously for rakkyo, a small scallion-like bulb related to garlic and shallots. The sandy, well-draining soil suits rakkyo particularly well, and Tottori is one of the country's leading producers. Plants are harvested in early summer, and the bulbs are almost always pickled rather than eaten raw.

Pickled rakkyo has a sharp, crunchy, faintly sweet-and-sour bite and is traditionally served as a small side dish alongside curry rice, a pairing that dovetails naturally with Tottori's curry-loving reputation. It also appears alongside rice bowls and set meals as a palate cleanser. Sweetness and vinegar levels vary noticeably between brands and homemade versions, so it's worth trying a few varieties rather than judging it from just one jar.