[Trivia] Challenge! Spring General Knowledge Quiz

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There are various theories, but it’s said to come from an old British holiday called Oak Apple Day. There’s also a theory that April Fools’ Day itself originated in France or India. In any case, April Fools’ includes the reveal as part of the fun—so be careful not to go overboard with the lies.

Uzuki (the traditional Japanese name for the fourth month, roughly April)

The origin comes from the fact that the plant called utsugi blooms in spring. Its flowers are called unohana, and the alternate name for the food ingredient okara comes from that. You might wonder, “Why not cherry blossoms?” But in the old lunar calendar, spring starts from late April, so utsugi, which blooms around that time, is the reason behind the name.

Diamond

Diamonds, which carry meanings such as “eternal love,” are the birthstone for April. When it comes to wedding rings, diamonds are likely what most people imagine—this stems from the gemstone’s symbolic meaning. By the way, March’s birthstone is aquamarine, and May’s is emerald.

Spanish mackerel

Sawara, known as the “fish that heralds spring” because it’s caught in large numbers when spring arrives. While there are various theories about the origin of its name, a leading one is that “sa” means “narrow” and “wara” means “belly,” referring to its slender shape. By the way, its peak season differs between the Kanto and Kansai regions.

Tyrosine

It’s a type of amino acid found in bamboo shoots, and because it doesn’t dissolve easily in water, it remains in a crystallized form. There’s no problem eating it as is—in fact, it’s said to have various health benefits. How do you all like to cook bamboo shoots?

King of wild mountain vegetables

In early spring, buds called tara-no-me grow at the tips of Japanese angelica trees. They’re a popular spring ingredient for tempura. Because the angelica tree is a delicate plant, it can wither quickly if handled roughly. It’s a reminder that we should savor nature’s blessings with gratitude.

Suruga Bay

The sakura shrimp fishery, known as a spring tradition, takes place only in Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. It’s a delicacy unique to Suruga Bay, which is also one of Japan’s three deepest bays. While you’ll often see dried sakura shrimp in supermarkets, around the production area they’re also eaten freshly boiled (kama-age), among other preparations.