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山形/Yamagata | SKU: A-243640-6

Yamagata Yukiwakamaru- 山形雪若丸- 2025 Crop

$15⁹⁹

Weight

Milling rate

Description

Yukiwakamaru（雪若丸）

Bold, Clean, and Powerful — Yamagata Rice with Exceptional Grain Structure

Yukiwakamaru (雪若丸) is Yamagata Prefecture’s modern premium rice variety, officially released in 2018 as the younger counterpart to the renowned Tsuyahime. While Tsuyahime is celebrated for sweetness and softness, Yukiwakamaru was developed with a different goal: strength, clarity, and harmony with food.

With its snow-white appearance, impressive gloss, and firm, well-defined grains, Yukiwakamaru expresses the snowy climate and youthful strength of Yamagata in a distinctly modern way.

Why Yukiwakamaru Is Special

❄️ Name & Concept
The name Yukiwakamaru combines:

“Yuki” (snow): symbolizing Yamagata’s pristine winters and the rice’s brilliant whiteness
“Waka” (young): representing vigor, firmness, and strength

It reflects a rice that is visually striking and structurally confident.

🌾 Large, Firm Grains with Presence
Yukiwakamaru is defined by its texture:

Larger-than-average grains
Firm, resilient bite
Excellent grain definition
Balanced stickiness without softness

Often described as “masculine” in character, it offers a satisfying chew that stands up to bold dishes.

Taste & Texture Profile

Clean, restrained sweetness
Light, refreshing flavor
Firm texture with elasticity
Minimal heaviness or lingering stickiness

This is rice that supports a meal rather than dominating it.

Designed to Pair with Food

Unlike Tsuyahime—which shines even on its own—Yukiwakamaru was developed specifically to excel with dishes:

Grilled meats and fish
Richly seasoned or sauced foods
Fried dishes
Everyday Japanese meals

Its firmness and clean finish keep each bite balanced.

Yukiwakamaru vs. Tsuyahime

	Tsuyahime	Yukiwakamaru
Sweetness	Rich, pronounced	Light, restrained
Stickiness	High	Moderate
Texture	Soft, smooth	Firm, springy
Best use	Rice as the star	Rice as a partner

Together, they represent two complementary visions of Yamagata rice.

Beautiful When Cooked

Yukiwakamaru is also prized for its “takibae” (炊き映え):

Brilliant white color
Strong natural gloss
Clear grain edges

It looks exceptional in both home meals and professional settings.

Proven Quality & Recognition

Developed by Yamagata Prefecture
Released in 2018 after extensive testing
Awarded Special A (TokA) rating by the Japan Grain Inspection Association
Strict cultivation and quality standards across the prefecture

Ideal Uses

Set meals and teishoku
Bento boxes
Meals with bold flavors
Anyone who prefers firm, structured rice

Who This Rice Is For

Those who find sticky rice too soft
Fans of firm, well-defined grains
People who enjoy rice as part of a balanced meal
Anyone curious about modern regional Japanese rice

Our Commitment to Trust

We carry Yukiwakamaru because it represents intentional design in rice:

Clear purpose
Distinct texture
Transparent regional identity

This is not a variation of existing rice—it is a deliberate answer to how people eat today.

If you want a rice with strength, clarity, and exceptional versatility, Yukiwakamaru is a standout choice.
Snow-white grains. Youthful power. Perfect balance at the table.

REVIEW CAMPAIGN

REWARD PROGRAM

Japanese rice is short-grain rice. "Hakumai," Japanese white rice, is milled to remove the rice bran from the brown rice, known as "Genmai".

"Butsuki-mai" is partially milled rice, named after how much of the bran has been removed from the brown rice.

The nutritional value of bran is retained by adjusting the ratio of milled rice:

30% milled rice: 30% of the bran has been removed.
50% milled rice: 50% of the bran has been removed.
70% milled rice: 70% of the bran has been removed.

How to Cook White Rice & Partially Milled Rice

Instructions:

Measure the rice.
1. Level off the rice in the measuring cup.
2. 1 rice measuring cup = 180ml/150g.
Rinse the rice.
1. Add water to the bowl and pour it out quickly.
2. This removes any dust from the rice's surface and avoids being absorbed.
Wash the rice.
1. Gently wash the rice by stirring by hand with the water drained.
2. Repeat 2-3 times.
3. Drain the water with a strainer.
4. Transfer the rice to a pot.
5. Add water: 180-200 ml per 1 rice measuring cup.
Presoak in water.
1. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes to allow it to absorb water.
2. Rice will be tender and cooks evenly afterwards.

Cook in a pot:

Put the lid on the pot.
Turn it over medium heat to reach boiling (10-15 minutes)
Once boiled, keep it for 2 minutes.
Then lower the heat, boil for another 3 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Turn off the heat.
Steam the rice.
1. Remove it from the stove.
2. Keep the lid on and leave it for 5-10 minutes to steam.
Stir the rice.
1. Carefully open the lid.
2. Dig from the bottom of the pot using a rice scoop.

Cook in a rice cooker:

Transfer the washed rice to the inner pot.
Add water to the measuring line.
Turn it on the "White Rice" mode and start cooking.
Once cooked, carefully open and gently stir.

Japanese brown rice, also known as “Genmai,” is short-grain brown rice.

Brown rice retains the bran and germ intact, making it rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is less sticky than white rice, has a nutty flavor, and subtle sweetness.

How to Cook Brown Rice and Cooking Tips

Cooking tips and steps:

Rub Gently
1. Rub the brown rice gently while washing.
2. It helps each rice grain absorb water, resulting in softer rice.
3. Change the water and repeat washing for 1-2 minutes.
Soak Longer
1. Soak the rice longer than white rice, at least 2 hours.
2. It allows to soak more moisture and maximize flavor.

Cook in a pot:

Drain the water and remove it to a pot.
Use cold water.
1. Add water: 270 - 300ml per 1 rice measuring cup.
2. Use cold water or water with ice cubes for cooking.
3. The water temperature rises gradually, it allows the rice to absorb moisture at a steady pace.
4. Placing the rice in the refrigerator when presoaking also helps.
Keep the lid on.
1. Keep the lid on, let the steam cook the rice tender.
Start with medium heat to reach boiling (10-15 minutes).
Once boiled, reduce the heat to low.
Cook for 20 minutes on low heat, keeping the lid on.
Turn off the heat.
Remove the pot from the stove and steam for 10 minutes.
Keep the lid on, never open.
Carefully open the lid.
Fluff the rice with a rice scoop.

Cook in a Rice Cooker:

Transfer the washed rice to the pot.
Add water to the measuring line.
Turn on the "Brown Rice" mode and start cooking.
Gently stir the cooked rice.

SHIPPING

Delivery and handling charges for orders are as follows: Delivery Charges / Per Destination

<Updated 7/1/2025>
Starting 7/1/25, orders that do not qualify for free shipping will be charged a calculated shipping fee by weight.

- NY, NJ, CT

Free shipping on purchases of $60 or more
For orders under $60, shipping is automatically calculated based on the number of items and their weight.

- States Group1*

Free shipping on purchases of $80 or more
For orders under $80, shipping is automatically calculated based on the number of items and their weight.

- States Group2*

Free shipping on purchases of $100 or more
For orders under $100, shipping is automatically calculated based on the number of items and their weight.

[Group1*]

States other than the below

[Group2*]

Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho
Kansas
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
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Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming

*We do not currently ship to AK and HI
*Gift cards do not apply toward the free shipping total.

SHIPPING POLICY

RETURN

In principle, we do not accept returns or exchanges at the customer's convenience. In the unlikely event that an item is missing, different from the one ordered, or arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days via our Contact form.

REFUND POLICY

We're the rice factory

We believe you deserve the highest quality and freshest rice possible.

What Makes Our Rice So Special?

At the rice factory, we carefully select rice produced with no pesticides or low pesticides after thoroughly evaluating its place of origin, taste, aroma, and texture. We also personally visit the growing areas!