JSDF Type 1 - Menu 11 - Pork and Eddoe

[Ruleryak]

Japanese Self Defense Force Combat Ration
Type 1 - Menu 11 - Pork and Eddoe

JSDF - Outer Package

JSDF - Contents

Contents:

• Pork And Eddoe
• White Boiled Rice
• Wild Grass Rice
• Tray
• Spoon

Let's start with the basics. This JSDF appears to have been issued in 2014 (the best-by date is early 2016). It does not come with any means of heating the contents, so I opted to boil all three items in-bag for about 12 minutes. Eddoe is a root vegetable from tropical regions. It's similar to taro root, and reminds me of small potatoes.

JSDF - Just out of the pot

JSDF - Prepared meal

The main course of pork and eddoe was very savory, like a stew. There were plenty of vegetables - mostly eddoe and carrot. I think there may have been some fish sauce in it, there was definitely a fish-like taste behind the pork. I tried the main course mixed up with both types of rice, but in the end I liked eating each separately the most. There was a nice level of sweetness to the dish and I'd love to have it again some day!

The boiled white rice was very sticky and very filling. What can I say - properly done sticky rice is always good! The wild grass rice was really interesting - I enjoyed it a bit more with some salt than I did without it. It had the same sticky consistency, but was darker and contained bits and pieces of what I assume to be wild grass, although it reminded me of Japanese nori more than any grasses I've had in food before.

This was an excellent ration and I feel very lucky to have gotten a chance to try it out, thanks for reading!

JSDF - Pork and Eddoe Entree Pouch

JSDF - Boiled Grass Rice Pouch

JSDF - Boiled White Rice Pouch

JSDF - Tray and Spoon

[rattattoo]

Good job, Yak!
I am always jealous when I see these Asian meals reviewed, they look so delicious, and I love all foods asian and "Pacific Rim".

[Norton]

Great review and photos. I had to look up what an Eddoe was. It looks like a good meal and the white rice, could be saved for a separate meal if needed.
I am surprised there are not packets of sauce for flavor, or tea bags and sugar
Does Japan issue different meals depending on mission such as 24 hour ration with accessory/condiment pack?

[elandil]

good review. I'm not much of a plain rice eater, but I do like a good sticky rice. And the grass rice sounds intriguing. Kinda curious myself on the accessories, if they come separate, or if it's a different type of meal, kind of like the TOTM's.

Maybe LaughingMan will chime in.

[steve1989]

Absolutely impressive review, Ruleryak.

Now i need to get some lunch, this just made me hungry.

That entree had to have had fish sauce in it. I used to date a really nice Lao girl and when she cooked for us, she almost always used fish sauce to heighten the levels of flavor. It also added a salty, fishy, and savory undertone - certainly insured you to go back for seconds.
Sounds like you had something similar with your Pork & Eddoe there. Looked truly delectable from over here!

And the two rice dishes look and sound like a nice, clean accompaniment to the main entree. That wild grass rice sounds like a nice change-up from the norm. And who doesn't like a sticky white rice? Yum!


Thanks so much for sharing that Ration with us - beautiful pictures and presentation.

[rabidwolf]

Having seen several reviews for either Chinese or Japanese rations. I wonder what those who have tried and reviewed them. Think of the Asian Beef Strips MRE?

[Ruleryak]

Thanks rattattoo, Norton, elandil, steve1989, and rabidwolf. I'm having second thoughts about the black backdrop, especially with dark packaging. I might need to switch back and forth depending on the ration being reviewed. Still fairly new to light boxes and color balancing and whatnot!

[housil]

Great pics and thx for sharing. Why do they have two different kinds of rice with that one serving? Any idea?

[parafireboy]

Great review and photos! Norton already brought it up, but I too am surprised at the lack of accessory packet w/sauces, etc. It's a little surprising that they don't include a heater of some sorts too. Does anyone know, do they typically just eat them cold? It looks good though!

[laughing_man]

Great review, Ruleryak
I enjoyed the review of Japanese ration.

A eddoe is a popular vegetable in Japan.
There are many recipes of the traditional home cooking using a eddoe.

Although I also ate this "Pork and Eddoe" menu, I thought that I wanted a little soy sauce...

Great review and photos! Norton already brought it up, but I too am surprised at the lack of accessory packet w/sauces, etc. It's a little surprising that they don't include a heater of some sorts too. Does anyone know, do they typically just eat them cold? It looks good though!

Japanese ration has two kinds of heating methods.
1. Flameless heater.
2. Boil by a big iron pot, without opening a bag outside dark green. For example, a Yagai-suigu (field kitchen) etc.
For this boil, Japanese ration has simple composition.
Therefore, drink, flameless heater, chocolate, etc. are provided separately.
A seasoning is soldiers' own account.