Japan chestnut farmers revive peeling tool passed down from father's generation
UCHIKO, Ehime -- A chestnut-farming couple in this western Japan town has revived a simple local tool for peeling chestnuts that is quietly gaining po
UCHIKO, Ehime -- A chestnut-farming couple in the western Japanese town of Uchiko has revived a simple local tool for peeling chestnuts, gaining popularity across the country. Rie Kameoka, 48, and her husband Kazuhiko, 64, cultivate pesticide-free chestnuts on about 1.5 hectares of land in the mountainous region. The tool, named Kurimasa, tackles the hard outer shell of chestnuts, an autumn delicacy.
Kazuhiko's father passed down the tool, made of iron and resembling a spatula, from his generation. Rie, who married Kazuhiko in 2017, was impressed by its effectiveness and wanted to share it. The couple launched the revived version in 2020, launching nationwide sales. The tool reduces peeling time to about a quarter of normal.
The Kameokas demonstrated how to use the tool, showing it can be used without damaging the inner skin. One user tried it, initially struggling but eventually finding it easy and safe to use. The neatly peeled chestnuts were used to make shibukawa-ni, a traditional Japanese confection. The Kurimasa tool costs 3,300 yen and is available on the couple's website.
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