Seven Greens Porridge

Photo: copied from Yomiuri Online, "Children of Iidabashi Town Eating The 7 Greens Porridge"

On the seventh of January, Japanese people have a custom of eating the seven green porridge ("nana-kusa-gayu"). The porridge is like any other porridge you will find in a Chinese restaurant, except that you put seven types of herbs/green vegetables in it. The practice of eating this porridge on the 7th of January came from a belief that the seven green vegetables will give you strength and immunity for the year.

The custom of eating seven types of greens began long time ago in China and the practice was brought to Japan during Heian era (800). Here, during new year, people celebrate by drinking lots of sake, eating lots of meat, fish or other protein type of food. Very few vegetables are served at the new year feast. About a week after new year, on the seventh of January, naturally people crave for light food, such as porridge with some vegetables in it.

I think the practice of eating enough vegetables in your daily diet gives us a better immunity system. It is probably not easy to consume 7 types of vegetables every day, however it is the effort of eating more vegetables that makes a different. So why not check, how many vegetables/fruits have you consumed today?

For those who likes healthy organic vegetables, here are some menu to check:

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/fl/en/g732200/menu.htm