★[2023 Rice] Naturally grown rice "Kikuchi no Kagayaki" by Tomita Chikayoshi

[2023 harvest] Chikayoshi Tomita's naturally grown rice "Kikuchi no Kagayaki"

A pioneer of Kumamoto's naturally grown rice

"Kikuchi no Kagayaki" is a variety that was created by Mr. Tomita after he has been cultivating his own seeds from Hinohikari for over 20 years.
During the 2018 rice crop, one stalk was taller than the surrounding rice and looked different, so it was separated and harvested. Then in 2019, it was planted and harvested, and the harvest was used to set the seeds for the next crop. Finally, in 2020, they were able to harvest enough to ship, so they tasted it for the first time. I heard that it was exciting to actually try it.
After harvest, it was inspected and found to have a lower amylopectin value (chewy texture) than regular Hinohikari, and was found to have slightly different properties from Hinohikari that had been cultivated up until then. It can be said that this variety was born thanks to the Kikuchi environment, among various other factors such as the climate, water and soil of the land.
With this in mind, the name "Kikuchi's Brilliance" was chosen.

Tomita's naturally grown rice is densely packed with grains.

The naturally grown rice was ready for harvest, and bountiful ears of rice were ripe. Tomita's naturally grown rice fields and fields are located near the Melon Dome, a famous landmark in Shichijo Town. The Hasama River, a tributary of the Kikuchi River, flows nearby, and in autumn it is a pleasant place where cosmos flowers bloom all over the place. Tomita's daughter Saki and son Kazutaka are the successors of his family's field and rice farming and are engaged in naturally grown rice cultivation. He works on the naturally grown rice fields together with his son Kazutaka.

Mr. Tomita checks on the growth of the rice. He visits the rice fields every day to check on the condition of the rice.

Mr. Tomita talks about his efforts in organically grown rice. The words of someone with 30 years of experience carry weight.

A rice field with a rich, clear stream. In the babbling stream, there were beetles and pond snails.

Tomita-san chats energetically in front of the naturally grown rice fields. "It's not good to act like you've been doing it all. I'm who I am today thanks to the efforts of my predecessors. I must never forget those words. There's a saying: 'The more rice ripens, the more I bow my head.' I want to always keep gratitude and humility in my heart." Despite being a pioneer of naturally grown rice who continues to lead the way, his words are endlessly humble. Many people are drawn to his personality. I was reminded that this is why there are always smiles around Tomita-san.

Many people come to learn at Tomita's naturally cultivated rice fields every year.

A pleasant breeze passes through Tomita's naturally grown rice fields. Tomita's naturally grown rice has a natural sweetness in its light taste, and the more you chew it, the tastier it becomes. The grains of rice themselves are firm, and you can feel the strength throughout the rice. It is easy to digest, so you can eat as much as you want, but there is no feeling of heaviness after the meal. It is filling, and leaves you feeling comfortably full. Please try eating it as a salted rice ball first. You will surely be able to enjoy the deliciousness of Tomita's naturally grown rice. Kikuchi no Kagayaki produced by Tomita Chikayoshi. Reservations are now open.

These rice balls are made using only Tomita's naturally grown rice and solar lake salt. It's the ultimate treat. The rice that he has grown in his own fields for many years is currently sold out to regular home delivery members (customers who have a year-round contract). It is extremely popular nationwide, and there is a waiting list for cancellations.