MORI NARADUKETEN CO.,LTD.

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Founded in 1869, specializes in SAKE PICKLES/NARADUKE and has a store on the premises of Todaiji Temple, a World Heritage Site.

Sake Pickles

“NARADUKE”

NARADUKE is one of traditional Japanese fermented pickles that does not contain vinegar.

SAKE Pickles (Naraduke) are traditional Japanese pickles said to originate from Nara Prefecture, renowned for their unique production method and deep, complex flavor. More than just a way to preserve vegetables, they are a culinary art that transforms ingredients through a meticulous, multi-stage fermentation process.

What is SAKE Pickles (Naraduke)
What is SAKE Pickles (Naraduke)

Characteristics of
Japanese Fermented Foods

Fermented foods that underpinned Japanese food culture

The most prominent characteristic of Japanese fermented foods is undoubtedly the use of ”KOJI”(malted rice). Japan’s warm, humid climate and its marine environment rich in salt have notably supported the development of fermented foods. Japanese fermented foods are a culinary culture born from the fusion of fermentation techniques using koji mold and Japan’s unique climate and natural features. Their diversity, versatility, and blend of tradition and innovation are among the appealing aspects of Japanese food culture that the world can be proud of.

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Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)

Japanese pickles, known as tsukemono, are preserved foods made by pickling vegetables in various seasonings. They are an indispensable part of the Japanese diet, enhancing shelf life while creating unique flavors and textures.
Their history is ancient, with records of salt-pickled vegetables dating back to the Yamato Imperial Court era (around the 3rd to 7th centuries CE). Further historical evidence from the Nara period (710-794 CE) includes descriptions of tsukemono in the Man’yōshū poetry anthology, and by the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the Engishiki legal code listed a diverse array of pickles presented to the imperial court. This indicates that a wide variety of tsukemono already existed by these early centuries.
Beyond their nutritional value, tsukemono play various roles in Japanese cuisine; they are known to stimulate appetite, serve as effective palate cleansers, and offer a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes. It’s said that there are over 600 different varieties of tsukemono found across Japan, each reflecting the unique local ingredients and traditions of its region.
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The Distinction of Our SAKE Pickles (Naraduke)

We refer to Naraduke as SAKE PICKLES. While “Narazuke” is the standard romanization for the Japanese term, we brand it as “Naraduke”.
We describe it as “SAKE PICKLES” because Narazuke contains alcohol derived from sake, as it’s made using sake lees. Our choice to spell “SAKE PICKLES” as “Naraduke” is based on a Japanese linguistic phenomenon called rendaku.
As Naraduke undergoes its long aging process, its aroma becomes richer, and it develops a distinctively profound and mellow flavor.
Understanding “Rendaku”
Rendaku is a phonological phenomenon in the Japanese language. It refers to the voicing of the initial consonant of the second element in a compound word. In the case of “奈良漬 (Narazuke),” when the words “奈良 (Nara)” and “漬け (tsuke, meaning pickle)” combine, the initial “tsu” sound of “tsuke” becomes voiced, transforming into “zu” (“づけ”), hence “Narazuke.” While this is the standard romanization, our branding choice of “Naraduke” reflects a specific interpretation of this linguistic process.
About Us

Enhance Your SAKE Pickles (Naraduke) Experience

You can discover new appeal for SAKE Pickles (Naraduke) by combining them with various ingredients and cooking methods. We encourage you to experiment and find your favorite ways to enjoy them!
We believe that SAKE Pickles (Naraduke), this traditional Japanese pickle, can harmoniously integrate into global food cultures. We aim to propose sustainable and new ways to enjoy food, offering healthier culinary experiences.
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Store Information

23 Kasuganocho, Nara city, Nara pref., 630-8212, Japan
(In front of the South Gate of Todaiji Temple)
Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (extended during events)
Closed: open everyday

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