Let's take on a four-choice quiz that everyone can enjoy together!

avocado

“Waninashi” refers to avocado. In English, avocado is written as “avocado,” just like in Japanese, but because its rough, bumpy appearance resembles an alligator, it is also called “alligator pear,” or “alligator’s pear.” From this, the Japanese alternative name became “鰐梨” (waninashi).

autumn leaves

Venison is euphemistically called “maple leaves.” Two main theories explain this: one traces it to the Hanafuda card motif “deer with maple leaves,” and the other to a poem featuring autumn leaves and a deer by Sarumaru Dayū, a master poet of the Heian period, which was selected for the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu.

yellow

Ripe cucumbers change from green to yellow. The green cucumbers commonly seen are actually unripe. Because of this, there is a theory that their name “kyuri” (literally “yellow melon”) comes from the color yellow. Cucumbers that have turned yellow are edible as long as the inside is still in good condition.

Lamb soup

Originally, yōkan referred to a lamb soup made in China. However, when it came to Japan, eating meat was prohibited under Buddhist teachings, so ingredients like adzuki beans were used instead of meat. From there, it gradually took on its current form. That’s why yōkan is written in kanji as 「羊羹」.

Bon Curry

Bon Curry is Japan’s first retort-pouch curry, released by the Otsuka Group in 1968. Made with 100% beef, Bon Curry was considered a special treat at the time and often served at the family table. Incidentally, the name “Bon Curry” combines French words meaning “delicious” and “curry.”