Enriching Japanese Cuisine with Philippine Fair Trade Muscovado Sugar: Cooking Lesson on May 27 (Wed) [Yamanashi, Nagano]
Pal System Yamanashi Nagano will host a cooking event on May 27 (Wed) at its Kai Center to promote the use of fair trade Muscovado sugar in Japanese cooking. An expert from Alter Trade Japan (ATJ) will share the history of Negros Island and the 'people-to-people trade' model, while participants prepare dishes like miso-minced meat and ginger ale using the sugar.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 23:21
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 15:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 15:08 (6 min after Collected)
## Event Overview
Pal System Yamanashi Nagano will hold a cooking event featuring fair trade 'Muscovado sugar' from 10:30 to 13:00 on May 27 (Wed) at its Kai Center in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture. In addition to recipes, the event will share the background of how former sugarcane plantation workers on Negros Island in the Philippines organize collectively for production.
## Muscovado Sugar: Rich Depth
The sugar used will be Muscovado sugar handled by Alter Trade Japan (ATJ). After harvest, the sugarcane is quickly pressed to maintain its sugar content and slowly boiled down, preserving its minerals and flavor. It offers a rich, deep, and clean sweetness, making it perfect for Japanese cuisine.
## Cooking Event
Participants will prepare four dishes: 'Miso-minced meat,' 'Green beans with sesame dressing,' 'Cherry tomato pickles,' and 'Homemade ginger ale.' Members of the 'Fair Trade Supporter' group will teach the recipes. An ATJ representative will explain the history of 'people-to-people trade' (minshu-koeki), where consumers and producers support each other.
## Background: Collaboration on the 'Sugar Island'
The trade of Muscovado sugar began following a famine among sugarcane plantation workers on Negros Island in the 1980s. When global sugar prices crashed, plantation owners stopped planting, leaving workers without income. To survive, producer associations were formed to establish self-sufficiency and independent distribution channels. Pal System Yamanashi Nagano remains committed to sharing the social issues behind its products to promote sustainable production and consumption.
Pal System Yamanashi Nagano will hold a cooking event featuring fair trade 'Muscovado sugar' from 10:30 to 13:00 on May 27 (Wed) at its Kai Center in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture. In addition to recipes, the event will share the background of how former sugarcane plantation workers on Negros Island in the Philippines organize collectively for production.
## Muscovado Sugar: Rich Depth
The sugar used will be Muscovado sugar handled by Alter Trade Japan (ATJ). After harvest, the sugarcane is quickly pressed to maintain its sugar content and slowly boiled down, preserving its minerals and flavor. It offers a rich, deep, and clean sweetness, making it perfect for Japanese cuisine.
## Cooking Event
Participants will prepare four dishes: 'Miso-minced meat,' 'Green beans with sesame dressing,' 'Cherry tomato pickles,' and 'Homemade ginger ale.' Members of the 'Fair Trade Supporter' group will teach the recipes. An ATJ representative will explain the history of 'people-to-people trade' (minshu-koeki), where consumers and producers support each other.
## Background: Collaboration on the 'Sugar Island'
The trade of Muscovado sugar began following a famine among sugarcane plantation workers on Negros Island in the 1980s. When global sugar prices crashed, plantation owners stopped planting, leaving workers without income. To survive, producer associations were formed to establish self-sufficiency and independent distribution channels. Pal System Yamanashi Nagano remains committed to sharing the social issues behind its products to promote sustainable production and consumption.
FAQ
Where can I join Pal System's fair trade event?
This event, held on May 27, 2026, will take place at the Pal System Yamanashi Nagano Kai Center in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
How can I use Muscovado sugar in cooking?
It is suitable for a wide range of Japanese dishes and drinks, such as meat miso, pickles, and ginger ale, taking advantage of its rich depth and clean sweetness.
Why is it fair trade?
It was established in the 1980s following a famine on sugarcane plantations in the Philippines as a way to support producer autonomy and sustainable livelihoods.