LOCAL CULTURE
Beniimo Sweet Potato
In 1604, Mr NOGUNI, a crew of trading boat from Okinawa to China, brought a nursery tree of sweet potato from China. Since then, it spread to all over Japan, and in Okinawa it is called “Beniimo” (Beni means red, Imo means potato) from its vivid redish purple color. This color comes from the substance called “anthocyanin”, that is effective for cancer prevention, arteriosclerosis prevention and antioxidative.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Agu Pork
Agu Pork is believed to have been imported at the end of fourteenth century from China where was called “Min” at that time. It features long face and lop ears and resembles a boar. There were many Agu in Ryukyu Islands before World War Ⅱ, but the number significantly decreased because foreign pigs were introduced as Agu did not bear many babies. When it came down to only 18 Agu pigs left, they finally started to be protected and taken care of, and now the number recovered to 600. Agu pork is soft in texture, rich in fats yet only have a quarter of the cholesterol of normal pork. It is also high in collagen.
WHAT TO PACK
Sun Protection
Clear and sunny day with blue sky and bright sun makes a perfect day in Okinawa, but ultraviolet ray is so strong that you will get sun burn very easily. Please bring sun protection cream, sunglasses and long sleeve shirt to protect your skin.
