Tadezu

What is Tadezu?

Tadezu and grilled ayu fish

Tadezu

Tadezu (蓼酢・たで酢・たでず・たです) is vinegar made by mashing the tade plant (a member of the knotweed family) with vinegar. A type of Japanese seasoning. Also called ‘tadesu’.

Tade has a distinctive piquancy and is used as a seasoning to enhance the flavour of grilled Ayu fish. It is said to be particularly suitable for summer ayu.

How to make tadezu

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Finely chop the young leaves of the tade (ayu tade) plant, then grind them and spread them with vinegar. A very small amount of salt is added when mashing to bring out the colour.