The Ohitsu: The Traditional Japanese Wooden Rice Container

The art of serving rice in Japan isn’t merely about the process but also about the container used. Enter the "Ohitsu," a wooden rice container that not only stores rice but also adds a touch of tradition to your meals. Let’s delve deeper.

What is the meaning of "Ohitsu"?

An "Ohitsu," traditionally known as a Japanese wooden rice container or rice bucket, has long been an essential part of Japanese culinary culture. It's not merely a vessel to hold the rice but a testament to Japanese craftsmanship, tradition, and passion for food.

Craftsmanship & Design

The ohitsu is more than just a wooden rice bucket. Crafted meticulously from the beautifully grained Hinoki cypress wood, this Japanese wooden rice container boasts a design that’s both robust and elegantly finished. It stands as a piece of Japanese culinary heritage, underlining the importance of traditional cooking in every household.

How do you use an Ohitsu?

Using the ohitsu is straightforward:

1. Transfer your rice, be it white rice, sushi rice, or any rice recipe, into the ohitsu once it's cooked.
2. The ohitsu is designed to keep rice fresh and organized, ensuring it’s always ready for serving.
3. Use the specialized rice scoop that accompanies every ohitsu. It’s thoughtfully designed to fetch rice seamlessly, even from the container's square corners.

How do the Japanese store their rice?

Japanese often utilize the ohitsu for storing their freshly cooked rice. It preserves the warmth and moisture, ensuring that the grains stay fluffy and delicious. Whether it’s for a chicken and rice meal or sushi, the rice remains in its optimal state.

Which container is best for storing rice?

The traditional Japanese wooden container for cooked rice is the ohitsu. Thanks to its uncoated design, excess water is absorbed, guaranteeing non-sticky, fluffy rice that remains scrumptious even after cooling.

Functional Features

• A Touch of Tradition: The transformative touch of the ohitsu elevates the flavor of your Japanese food, especially rice dishes.
• Seamless Transfer: You can easily transfer rice to a kamado or another container for optimal storage conditions.

Care & Maintenance Guidelines

Just like any wooden kitchen tool, the ohitsu requires some love and care.

1. Beware of the occasional resin that might surface. It can be easily wiped away with vinegar or sterilizing alcohol.
2. Cleanse your ohitsu with hot water after every use, ensuring no rice remnants are left behind.
3. Store it in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Note: This product isn’t compatible with dishwashers.

In Conclusion

The Ohitsu is more than a wooden rice container; it’s an embodiment of tradition and the love for Japanese food. So, next time you think of a rice recipe, remember the ohitsu for that authentic touch.