I’m excited to announce that Our Edible Roots, a book I have spent the past year working on with Tonari Gumi Gardeners, will soon be available!
Our Edible Roots: The Japanese Canadian Kitchen Garden is a cumulation of Japanese Canadian history and culinary identity since before the Second World War until today. This book features interviews, stories, recipes, and growing tips from local Japanese Canadian farmers, gardeners, elders, youth, and other contributors.
This book showcases growing and foraging tips and stories from seasoned gardeners with 40 delicious recipes highlighting these unique Japanese vegetables. Guides to using Japanese ingredients and methods for traditional culinary techniques are also included. As contributor Makiko Suzuki says, “perhaps the most important highlight is the telling of the Japanese Canadian experience through stories and interviews with community elders.”
We invite you to celebrate these stories and pick up a copy of the book for yourself at the following upcoming (and free!) events…
- Powell Street Festival, August 4-5, 2018: This book will be available for sale at Tonari Gumi’s community booth all weekend long.
- Our Edible Roots book launch, October 21, 2018: Come taste a sampling of the recipes, hear stories from contributors, and celebrate with us!
- Emerging Heritage Fair at Vancouver Japanese Language School, Saturday, October 27, 2018
- Tonari Gumi’s Fall Bazaar, Saturday, November 3, 2018
- Sustenance Festival: Storytelling Feast & Exhibit, Saturday, November 10, 2018
You can also purchase this book online or find copies for sale at the Tonari Gumi gift shop, Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, West Coast Seeds garden shop, and Gulf of Georgia Cannery. If you would like to inquire about purchasing bulk orders at a reduced price, please email tg.gardeners@gmail.com.
This was an incredible community project driven by the passion and commitment of countless volunteers. All book sales proceeds will support the seniors lunch program at Tonari Gumi Japanese Community Volunteers Association.