Saitama's New Circular Economy Food Product 'Iburi Saika' Now on Sale!

The Northern Research Institute of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology is promoting the 'Food Recycling Trial Hub,' actively advancing the concept of Food Circular Economy (CE)*.

Through technical support from the Northern Research Institute, a new 'Food Circular Economy Product' has been developed through collaboration between two local companies.

A new pickled daikon product, 'Iburi Saika,' featuring a rich, smoky aroma, has been launched. It utilizes misshapen scraps from 'sugar-pressed daikon' production and smoking material made from soy sauce lees.

We invite you to try this innovative product.

*An economic activity that promotes efficient and circular use of resources at every stage from production to disposal.

1. Background of Product Development

The Northern Research Institute received a consultation from Shiono Co., Ltd. (Kawagoe City) seeking to utilize the leftover scraps generated during 'sugar-pressed daikon' production.

In collaboration with the 'Saitama Circular Economy Promotion Center'—a one-stop support hub for CE—the Institute facilitated a match with Smoke-i-freet (Saitama City), which produces smoking material from soy sauce lees (a byproduct of soy sauce manufacturing). The Institute provided technical support for joint product development, resulting in a prototype.

The prototype underwent a tasting and questionnaire survey at CLOCK KITCHEN Resona Koedo Terrace (Kawagoe City), followed by further refinements, leading to its commercialization.

2. Product Features

A novel pickle using soy sauce lees as smoking material. It offers a crunchy texture enhanced by a savory, deep-smoked flavor and excellent shelf stability.

Ideal as a snack with alcohol, the packaging design evokes a relaxing moment enjoyed with a drink.

3. Sales Information

Launch Date: June 20, Reiwa 8 (Saturday)

Sales Location: Resona Koedo Terrace (Kawagoe City); subsequent rollout planned across Saitama Prefecture

Distributor: Smoke-i-freet

Manufacturer: Shiono Co., Ltd.

Price: 550 yen

4. 'Iburi Saika' Stakeholder Map

5. Contact

Food Project Division, Northern Research Institute, Industrial Technology Center

Direct Phone: 048-521-0614

Email: [email protected]

Reference

Food Recycling Trial Hub (Northern Research Institute, Industrial Technology Center)

We provide technical support for companies aiming to repurpose food processing byproducts—such as scraps—into new products through recycling and innovation. Please feel free to utilize our services.

https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/saitec/shien/shokunoce/20230612trial.html