Wisdom for surviving snow country life

This winter, many regions of Japan Sea coasts, especially the Hokuriku region, have suffered from the effects of heavy snowfalls. Niigata is one of them. After  having little snow for the past few years, this year’s snow reminded us that we live in “snow country”. Snow makes our lives difficult and sometime causes serious disasters. On the other hand, snow brings the fruits of nature.

 

Did you know that vegetables such as Japanese radishes (“daikon” 大根), carrots, cabbage and others can be kept fresh for a long time under the snow? These vegetables become even sweeter and more delicious than before.  The vegetables, which remain unharvested in fields in autumn are covered with snow in winter.

They stay at the same temperature, around zero degrees, without freezing. As a result of surviving and protecting themselves from the cold, the vegetables’ sweetness and flavor are intensified. Brands of snow vegetables have developed, such as “Yukishita Yasai“（雪下野菜）, “Yukimuro Yasai” （雪室野菜）or “Etto Yasai“（越冬野菜）

Can you think of other living things that increase their value after overcoming difficult situations or challenges? I hope so!