September is the time when the first crop of rice is harvested. In Japanese, the first crop rice is called “Shinmai” (新米).
If you are visiting Japan in September or October, then you will have a good chance of tasting the Japanese first crop rice.
You can immediately notice the difference in texture and flavour compared to normal crop rice.
Shinmai is at its best when enjoeyd plain. Japanese also like to enjoy it with Umeboshi or Gomashio.
And is there anything better than Onigiri made from Shinmai!
