Okinawa has established a reputation as a land of people with good health and longevity. Many believe the secret to this is a result of its unique food culture. By living close to nature, with food grown and harvested on nutrient-rich land, the people of Okinawa do not just enjoy high-quality ingredients – they also want to share them with the world.
The Okinawa Prefectural Government has joined hands with three café brands (Apiary, Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee, and Hvala Cafe) in Singapore to create yummylicious desserts available from January to March 2022. These creations use three of Okinawa’s prized exports – brown sugar, sea salt and sweet potato.
“We are inspired to develop products using Okinawa’s prized ingredients, through the collaboration with dessert stores popular among young people in Singapore. We are looking forward to having the people of Singapore enjoy the sweet and healthy treats that make use of the ingredients woven by the nature of Okinawa,” said Mr Heat Ikehara, Director of the Okinawa Prefectural Government Singapore Office.
What makes these sweet treats different? Let’s find out!
Q: What makes brown sugar, or kokuto, a healthier alternative compared to conventional white sugar?
Being high in calcium, potassium and iron, brown sugar from Okinawa is a healthier alternative to refined white sugar, and can even prevent tooth decay and osteoporosis, improve resistance to stress and lower blood cholesterol level. Kokuto is harvested from the sugarcane fields in Okinawa where the southern climate makes it ideal for its production in Japan.
Okinawa Sea Salt Brown Sugar Ice Cream (S$3.90/scoop) at Creamier is a wonderful example of how you can enjoy a sweet treat without compromising on health!
Okinawa Sea Salt Brown Sugar Ice Cream at Creamier
Q: Is it true that Okinawa’s salt tastes sweet?
Yes! Okinawa’s salt, known colloquially as maasu, tastes highly unique, carrying a delicate sweetness along with the salty flavour. Possessing high levels of mineral content such as potassium and calcium, yet low in sodium content, it is also one of the most nutritious salts.
It is no wonder that it is common in Okinawa to use this salt in every aspect of cooking, from traditional dishes to modern desserts such as the Sea Salt Lemon Sorbet at Apiary (S$4.70/scoop), and Creamier’s Salty Lychee Sorbet.
Q: What’s so special about sweet potatoes from Okinawa?
Okinawa’s famous sweet potato or beni-imo, has a high level of polyphenols. They are packed with antioxidants and anti-aging nutrients that help to better support digestion. Its taste also lends itself to many kinds of dishes in an Okinawan kitchen.
Hvala has brought out the best of the goodness of Okinawa’s sweet potatoes through the Okinawa Sweet Potato Tart (S$9.80/pc) and Okinawa Sweet Potato Gelato (S$5.80/scoop).
(Left to right) Okinawa Sweet Potato Tart and Okinawa Sweet Potato Gelato at Hvala
“We are inspired to develop products using Okinawa’s prized ingredients, through the collaboration with dessert stores popular among young people in Singapore. We are looking forward to having the people of Singapore enjoy the sweet and healthy treats that make use of the ingredients woven by the nature of Okinawa,” said Mr Heat Ikehara, Director of the Okinawa Prefectural Government Singapore Office.
Nonetheless, while you can have your cake dessert and eat it, remember that everything is in moderation!
Images: Okinawa Prefectural Government Singapore Office