Three distinct uses have been derived from yuzu: medicinal, cosmetic and culinary.

While strawberry and apple picking has been growing in popularity, blueberry-picking is making a bit of a splash up in Nagano.

The story of this simple yet exotic ingredient runs far back in time, and is complicated by the fact it's extremely difficult to grow.

Renewed interest in heirloom vegetables means a few of the classic types are making a resurgence, with seeds available for growing at home even in Japan.

There are different ways to make "yaki-imo." Wrapping a sweet potato in aluminum foil and burying it in hot embers is one. Another method is to coat them with a salty batter made from egg whites, flour and salt then slowly bake them for a few hours.

With its thick, soft, sweet flesh, the beauty of the manganji pepper is it can be successfully cooked in a number of ways.