Have you heard of “hamanatto”?

We discovered it during our trip to Japan last year. It is not the same as sticky, slimy “natto”. It is preserved food/condiment made with black beans. They are full of umami. Last week, my koji teacher in Toronto had a class online and we all made it.　

Process is simple. Steam beans, sprinkle with koji spores, let koji grow for about 2 days, put them in a bottle and pour over salt water. Leave it for 4 to 15 months and drain and make the beans dry. You can eat as is, mix with rice, or put on pizza just like olives. We thought we knew a lot about food, but still, there are a lot more to learn!

It is hard to believe that it’s already December. The last Saturday market for 2025 is on December 20 (Christmas market). Market will start on January 10, 2026 but we will take a break for about a month after Christmas. We will be back to the market on Saturday January 31.

Last week we had some days of nice sunshine and no frost yet. On Tuesday, we will send out a separate email on availability for Wednesday pick up.

We have signed up for Island Roots Farmers’ Market in Nanaimo for winter season. Hours and location are: 3 – 6pm on Wednesday, Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo.

Saturday market at AGI Hall is on at 10am – 1pm. We will be there, rain or shine.

Have a happy December!