Yamacoh Ohitsu Sawara Wooden Rice Container Japan (Edobitsu 27Cm)

Ohitsu: A Japanese Traditional Wooden Container

The Ohitsu Is A Wooden Container With A Slip-On Lid That Is Traditionally Used To Keep Steamed Rice Freshly Cooked In Rice Cookers. The Container Absorbs The Excess Moisture From The Rice, Keeping It Soft And Non-Sticky. It Is Handmade From The Wood Named “Sawara”, Which Is Found In The Kiso Region Of Japan. This Type Of Wood Is Known For Its Masame (Straight-Grain) Pattern And Copper Ornamentation, Which Gives It A Sophisticated Look. Sawara Wood Is Known To Contain More Resin Than Other Types Of Wood, Meaning It Has Higher Water Resistance And Durability. It Also Has Natural Antibacterial Effects And Has Been Used To Make Japanese Traditional Cooking Tools Such As “Hangiri (Handai)” And “Ohitsu” Since Ancient Times. There Are Two Types Of Ohitsu: “Edobitsu” And “Nosebitsu”, Which Differ In The Shape Of The Lid. To Keep Your Ohitsu In The Best Condition, It Is Recommended To Wash It Thoroughly With (Hot) Water After Use And Dry It In A Cool, Well-Ventilated Place, Out Of Direct Sunlight. Additionally, It Is Important To Wipe Off The Remaining Water Before Drying Or It May Cause The Wood To Shrink And Form Cracks, As Well As Loosen The Copper Ornamentation. Incompatible With Dishwashers, It Is Also Advised To Wipe The Surface Of The Container With Vinegar Or Ethanol Liquid (Sterilizing Alcohol) If Resin Starts To Ooze Out. Yamacoh Co., Ltd. Is A Family Business Founded In 1972 In Nakatsugawa, Gifu, Japan. This Company Has Been Crafting Traditional Ohitsu Containers Since Its Inception, And Still Follows The Same Techniques Used During The Edo Period.