*Oyatsumura has ceased store operations and production. The following is a report from the time of the interview.*

Brown sugar, made by boiling down sugarcane juice, is a mineral-rich snack that has been loved in Okinawa since ancient times.

Oyatsumura, the brown sugar manufacturing and sales shop on Kumejima Island where the author lives, is a shop that enjoys strong support not only from tourists but also from locals.

Made using only locally grown sugarcane from Kumejima Island, and with every step except for the pressing done by hand, Oyatsumura's brown sugar possesses a richness and flavor unlike anything you'll find elsewhere.

You'll surely be filled with the thought, "I can't believe brown sugar is this delicious!"

This time, we'll be giving you a detailed introduction to the highlights of "Oyatsumura," the shop that sells this pure brown sugar.

<Contents>
1. What kind of place is "Oyatsu Village"?
2. The process of making our special brown sugar!
3. Brown sugar products recommended as souvenirs
4. Conclusion

1. What kind of place is "Oyatsu Village"?

"Oyatsumura" is a 15-minute drive from Kumejima Airport. The shop is located along the loop road that runs from the airport.

The company was founded in 14.
When Mitsuaki Gima, who is from Kumejima, started the business with the desire to "revive the traditional way of making brown sugar," his daughter-in-law, Kazumi, opened "Oyatsumura" (Snack Village).

Nowadays, Mitsuaki is in charge of everything from harvesting the sugarcane to making brown sugar, while Kazumi is in charge of managing the store.

The brown sugar from "Oyatsumura" is pure brown sugar, made without any added sugar or other additives.

Unlike the processed brown sugar commonly found on the market, this one is rich in nutrients and minerals, allowing you to fully enjoy the authentic richness and flavor of brown sugar.

Brown sugar production is limited to a short period, from January to April, when sugarcane is harvested. Because it is made by hand using traditional methods, the quantity produced is also limited.

Last year, all of their products sold out by the end of summer, and they had to close the shop until the sugarcane harvesting season in January of the following year. Fans from both on and off the island were saying things like, "I wish I had bought more..."

Also, even during business hours, the shop may be closed while brown sugar is being produced, so it's best to call ahead and check before visiting.

In the next chapter, we will explain the process of how this special brown sugar is made.

2. The process of making our special brown sugar!

The sugarcane used in the pure brown sugar from "Oyatsumura" is 100% from Kumejima Island.

It is made using fresh sugarcane that was harvested the day before production.
First, we extract juice from one sugarcane stalk using a large juicer.

When the juice in the three large cauldrons is about half full, we light the firewood.

Once the cauldron is full of squeezed juice, add edible lime and simmer for 5-6 hours, keeping the fire burning.

The task of continuously stirring and adding firewood to prevent burning requires constant attention to the cauldron.

Continue stirring slowly and carefully until it becomes sticky. At the right moment, transfer it to another pot and stir to incorporate air.

Pour the mixture onto a stainless steel plate and let it cool until it hardens. Finally, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and it's complete.

The island children who visited the factory and the repeat customers of "Oyatsumura" all beamed with smiles when they took a bite of this freshly made brown sugar.

Seeing this, Komyo-san also looked very happy!

Because sugarcane harvesting is dependent on the weather, production dates are irregular.

However, if you're lucky enough to visit the shop on a production day, please don't hesitate to say hello to the shop owner, Kazumi.

3. Brown sugar products recommended as souvenirs

"Oniyome Manju" is a popular item at "Oyatsumura".

These are sold frozen, but you can actually eat them frozen. Of course, they're also delicious when eaten at room temperature.

Kazumi, the shop owner, is the model for the "Oniyome Manju" (demon wife bun).
Apparently, she's often asked by customers, "Are you the shrewish wife?" (laughs)

Kazumi's top recommendation is sugarcane brown sugar syrup. It's a syrup made by boiling down sugarcane before it becomes brown sugar.

You can use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or as a syrup for shaved ice or pancakes.

It's great as a sweetener for coffee or tea, and in winter, you can also dissolve it in hot water to make a black sugar syrup.

In addition, brown sugar powder is also sold as a seasoning for cooking.

All of these items are available for a limited time and in limited quantities, so if there's anything you're interested in, be sure to grab it!

4. Conclusion

Brown sugar is rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium, and is said to be an excellent health food for modern people.

It's also said to have the effect of relieving discomfort caused by low body temperature, and is considered a healthy snack that may even have a weight-loss effect.

The idea that eating brown sugar makes you fat is a misconception. I heard that eating it with tea actually boosts your metabolism, so I now wake up every morning with tea and brown sugar.

If you're visiting Kumejima, why not try the pure brown sugar from "Oyatsumura" and fully savor the blessings of Okinawa?

【store information】 Kumejima Snack Village Address: 88 Higa, Kumejima-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture Telephone: 098-985-8115 Closed: Sunday Opening hours: 10: 00 to 18: 00