からだに、うれしい。こころに、やさしい。
Mochimugi no Sato
Fukusaki’s Gift to You
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About
Just like rice, barley also has a “glutinous” variety.
This glutinous barley, known as Mochimugi, contains more beta-glucan than regular barley and is gaining attention for its excellent functional properties.
Rice cooked with polished Mochimugi offers a pleasantly chewy texture, and using Mochimugi flour in cooking and sweets gives a delightful mochi-like chewiness.
In Fukusaki Town, Mochimugi has been cultivated since the early Showa era and was traditionally enjoyed as mochi and dumplings.
Although cultivation stopped after World War II, it was revived in 1986 (Showa 61), followed by dedicated research that successfully restored Mochimugi as a specialty product of Fukusaki.
Today, it is used in school lunches and restaurants, loved by the townspeople, and well-received as a gift both within and outside Hyogo Prefecture.
Fukusaki Mochi Barley: Packed with Nutrition
Mochimugi is a highly nutritious grain rich in dietary fiber, especially containing abundant beta-glucan*, making it an excellent food choice.
In Fukusaki Town, two types of Mochimugi are cultivated: “Yonezawa Mochi No. 2” and “Fukumi Fiber,” each with its own characteristics.
The “Yonezawa Mochi No. 2” offers a pleasantly popping texture, while the “Fukumi Fiber” is delightfully chewy—both are wonderful varieties of Mochimugi from Fukusaki Town.
*Beta-glucan: a type of soluble dietary fiber known for its beneficial effects on digestive health and lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Mochimugi contains not only dietary fiber but also a high amount of iron.
Polished Mochimugi has three times more iron than polished white rice, and Mochimugi flour contains five times more iron than wheat flour.
Healthy bones build teeth, and calcium—essential for the body’s proper functioning—may come as a surprise, but polished Mochimugi contains eight times more calcium than polished white rice, and Mochimugi flour contains twice as much calcium as wheat flour.
Beta-glucan content: 10.7%
It is especially rich in glucan and dietary fiber, and one of its notable features is that it remains white even after cooking and sitting for some time.
Beta-glucan content: 6.4%
This is a variety traditionally cultivated in Fukusaki Town, characterized by its small grains and easy-to-eat texture.
WE MAKE IT
The Mochimugi Production Cooperative, established in 1991 (Heisei 3), is responsible for cultivating Mochimugi in Fukusaki Town. Comprised of individual farmers and agricultural cooperatives (groups of community members farming together), it supports the region with years of experience, outstanding skills, and a passionate commitment to Mochimugi.
Additionally, two women’s groups are actively involved in developing Mochimugi recipes and products, energizing the community with their enthusiasm.
By cultivating and nurturing the culture of growing and eating Mochimugi, they help support the health of their loved ones.
To pass down the cherished “Mochimugi of Fukusaki Town” inherited from predecessors to future generations, they also engage in educational and promotional activities aimed at raising awareness and expanding consumption of Mochimugi.
福崎町では、豊かな風土を生かして、古くからもち麦を栽培しており、全町をあげて、福崎町特産のもち麦の機能性を伝え、健康づくりに生かす取り組みを進めています。
まさしく、もち麦は、福崎町の宝です。
もち麦には、食物繊維のほか、ビタミン、ミネラルも含まれています。
私も、腸内環境を整えるため、努めてもち麦ごはんを食べています。
おかげで、おなかの調子もよく、健康を保つことができています。
みなさまにもご家族の体調管理に、福崎町特産のもち麦をお勧めします。
福崎町長
尾崎告晴
In Fukusaki Town, taking advantage of its rich natural environment, Mochimugi has been cultivated since ancient times.
The entire town is united in promoting the functional benefits of this local specialty Mochimugi and actively working to utilize it for health improvement.
Indeed, Mochimugi is a treasure of Fukusaki Town.
Mochimugi contains not only dietary fiber but also vitamins and minerals.
I myself make an effort to eat Mochimugi rice regularly to maintain a healthy gut environment.
Thanks to that, my digestion is good, and I am able to keep my health in check.
I highly recommend Fukusaki Town’s special Mochimugi for managing the health of you and your family.
Mayor of Fukusaki Town, YOshiharu Ozaki
Mochimugi no Sato
Regional Development Division, Fukusaki Town, Hyogo Prefecture
0790-22-0560
Reception Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays)
