The 'Boiled It' Project Returns
The 'Boiled It' project, which had been on hiatus because I ran out of water around me that I felt like 'drinking,' 'boiling,' or 'comparing,' is making a one-time comeback after I realized, quite late, that I had forgotten about a crucial water source in Morioka.
That water is Kenji Shimizu (Kenji Spring)
This 'Kenji' refers, of course, to Kenji Miyazawa. It is the water from a communal well that Kenji used while boarding during his time as a student at the Morioka Higher School of Agriculture and Forestry (now the Faculty of Agriculture at Iwate University) starting in 1917, and it is particularly beloved by the citizens of Morioka.
You can find the exact location here.
While I was snapping photos for this note, I must have looked like a tourist, because a gentleman who had come to draw water spoke to me, saying,
'I've drunk all sorts of water, but this one is the best! It goes well with anything. It's especially great for mixing with whiskey or shochu!'
He said that to me ^ ^
Now, for the first time in a while, let's review the rules of this 'Boiled It' project.
1. Drink at room temperature 2. Boil over low heat (heat) 3. Drink as warm water (after cooling slightly)
To add a supplement regarding point 2, I continue boiling it for 5 minutes after the steam starts to rise. This is because boiling it slowly and steadily over time makes the water taste milder.
First, let's try 'Drinking at room temperature'
It's a cliché expression, but it's easy to drink. Really easy to drink!
It's mellow and has a sweetness to it; I can see why Kenji Miyazawa would have used it heavily.
Just as the gentleman said, it also went well with alcohol. (Verified that night.)
Next is 'Boiling over low heat (heat)'
Since I have an induction cooktop at home, I use heat. (Kanakeno iron kettles can also be used on induction cooktops.)
And finally,“drinking hot water.”
It became even mellower!
Or at least that's what I'd like to say, but the first sip actually felt quite sharp.
Even so, a smooth sweetness spread as it went down my throat.
By the way, it seems our household's super idol likes it too. (Room temperature)
That concludes this long-awaited boiling experiment!
I'll do it again on a whim♪