Revitalize Your Health with Healing Foods: A Culinary Workshop in Tokyo

On September 25, 2023, the Life Cooperative Palsystem Tokyo hosted an intriguing workshop titled "Introduction to Healing Foods" at the Academy Meidai in Bunkyo, Tokyo. Participants learned to craft health-oriented dishes made from seasonal ingredients, designed to rejuvenate the body after a sweltering summer.

This workshop was particularly timely, given the extreme heat experienced throughout the summer months. A total of 13 members from Palsystem Tokyo participated, sharing their experiences while preparing a main dish, side dishes, and a dessert using locally-sourced ingredients.

Cooking with Familiar Ingredients

The main attraction of the day was "Torofuwa Yam Sea Porridge," a medicinal porridge made with whole yam. Known for its high nutritional value and digestibility, yam is believed in traditional medicine to help prevent fatigue and slow aging. Participants also incorporated red fish into this dish, which is high in protein and low in calories, as a means to alleviate discomfort caused by the summer heat.

Another delightful dish was "Autumn Aromatic White Sesame Sauce," featuring lotus root. This ingredient is known for its hydrating properties and was included in the dish with its skin intact, aligning with the philosophy of utilizing the whole food to maximize nutritional benefits.

To finish the meal, the group prepared "Pear and White Fungus Compote," a combination designed to cool excessive internal heat and soothe the lungs and throat. The addition of wolfberry, known for alleviating eye strain and boosting immunity, highlighted the medicinal aspects of each dish.

A Community-Led Healing Experience

The main instructor for this workshop was Ms. Higuchi, an active participant in food education programs offered by Palsystem Tokyo. As a trained food education leader, Ms. Higuchi has been instrumental in promoting the importance of healthy eating by teaching various age groups in local communities about nutrition and responsible food choices.

Currently, there are nine active food education leaders within Palsystem Tokyo, who collectively reached out to nearly 200 participants across 18 events last year. Their mission is to impart knowledge on selecting safe food, balancing nutrition to prevent lifestyle-related diseases, and the overall significance of a healthy diet.

Looking forward, Palsystem Tokyo aims to continue fostering an understanding of the importance of daily nutrition, working alongside their members to build a community where everyone can live a healthy, fulfilling life.

About Palsystem Tokyo

Palsystem Tokyo is headquartered in Shin-Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo, and chaired by Yoko Nishimura. As of March 2025, it boasts 539,000 members and a total business scale of 88.32 billion yen. This cooperative is dedicated to creating a sustainable and health-conscious community through both educational initiatives and access to quality ingredients.

For more information, visit Palsystem Tokyo's website.

As we approach International Cooperative Year in 2025, Palsystem Tokyo stands firm in their mission to promote healthy living through cooperative endeavors.