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We are thrilled to announce the launch of some exciting new features on our website that will enhance your shopping experience and make managing your orders even easier. Our team has been hard at work to bring you these enhancements, and we're excited to introduce them to you today. 

Thank you for visiting the rice factory New York. Due to rising logistics costs, the official online store of the rice factory New York has decided to raise the Minimum amount for free shipping on purchases, effective February 1, 2024.

The recent heatwave in Japan, one for the record books, has had a distinct impact on our rice quality. Right now, we're methodically testing samples from each of the 2023 crop regions, taking the time to taste each one individually.

Notably, this year's crop appears whiter than in previous years, a result of the intense heat during maturation stunting starch production. This has led to more air content in the grains which, in turn, causes light to scatter, giving the rice its whiter appearance.

Beef connoisseurs from all over are encouraged to run, not walk, to Kaikagetsu to enjoy some of Japan's most prized beef, also known as Hida Wagyu. The high-class Lower East Side restaurant showcases the luxurious and elevated kaiseki-style dining experience, marked by its paced, multi-course design, flush with small, appetizer-style dishes, or sakizuke, and sashimi-style dishes, or mukozuke. Among these, diners get the unique chance to experience the tender quality of exceptional beef from the city of Hida, Gifu prefecture, known for its distinct marbling, texture, and unique fragrance.

For foodies planning on spending the day in Manhattan, we recommend visiting Isle of Us, an Upper East Side grocer, and cafe with a menu that will nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Located just on the corner of 3rd and East 84th Street, this local cafe makes healthy eating a breeze for anyone living or working in the area. Everything in this little nook is made with impeccable attention to quality, freshness, and detail, from their cozy made-to-order meals to their rustic pantry foods.

One of the many advantages of partnering with local food businesses is the opportunity to take part in exciting hands-on events. Most recently, Aozora Gakuen, a local preschool that uses the rice factory NEW YORK’s rice for their school lunches, invited us to participate in one of their educational programs during their Mid-Winter Break Camp. This year, the Brooklyn-based preschool’s educational focus was on teaching their toddlers how to cook delicious Japanese food. To contribute, we sent some of our trusty rice sommeliers to show the kids at Aozora the incredible journey Japanese rice takes before ever making it to their plates.

Located on the shore of Spring Lake, New Jersey, this fresh fish market was built around one central vision: showing their community the value and incredible flavor of high-quality, locally sourced seafood. Launched by seafood connoisseur and seasoned Chef Bradley Rodriguez, this local market offers more than just the daily catch. Chef Bradley channels over two decades of experience in the kitchen into a creative and mouthwatering menu of authentic, seasonal dishes.

Housemade milk bread served with nori butter and beef tallow, cherrywood smoked octopus, and wagyu carpaccio—these are just a few appetizers you can expect to savor at Taru, New York’s new midtown Japanese fine dining experience. Designed by critically acclaimed Chef Tony Inn, Taru’s menu is a delightful display of what happens when high-quality Japanese ingredients meet Michellin-starred culinary talent. 

Looking for a healthy way to enjoy carbs without sacrificing your diet goals? Japanese rice might be the perfect solution for you! Rice is a great source of healthy carbohydrates, providing a flavorful, low-calorie, and low-fat option to your meals. It's also gluten-free, making it an ideal option for people with allergies or sensitivities to other popular carbs, such as wheat. In this blog post, we'll discuss why you need carbohydrates in your diet, the benefits of Japanese rice, and how it compares to our other favorite carb, wheat.

Instead of rushing through another lunch break with a heavily processed meal from the fast food restaurant down the road, visit BentOn for a balanced plate packed with all the nutrients you need to get you through the rest of your day. By offering the classic Japanese Bento (lunchbox), BentOn strives to provide the busy New Yorker with a nourishing lunch that satisfies without weighing you down!

Who knew that Japanese rice could be so versatile? In our last blog post about traditional side dishes to serve with Japanese rice, we explored some of the most creative ways to enjoy this delicious grain. But we're not done yet! Here are a few more recipe ideas for you to try out. And trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and balanced meal? Look no further than Ichiju Sansai! This traditional Japanese meal style is an incredibly delicious and nutritious way to get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. In this article, we'll discuss the origins of Ichiju Sansai, how to make one, and start incorporating it into your diet today.