[Trivia] Challenge! Spring General Knowledge Quiz

vegetables

Generally, we define as “vegetables” those crops that are planted as seedlings in the field and harvested within a year, and as “fruits” those that continue to be cultivated for two years or more, such as tree-grown produce like apples and mandarins. So by that definition, watermelon and melon are considered vegetables.

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.

Heian period

It’s said to have originated from children’s doll play and a purification ritual in which paper dolls were floated down the river, and it took on its current form as Hinamatsuri during the Edo period. Do you have Hina dolls at home? In March, that vivid vermilion scene is always dazzling and lovely whenever you see it.