Those apples are for what?
Bento is a relatively new interest of mine. While the Japanese term “bento” roughly translates to “box lunch” in English, and I guess even a happy meal would qualify, a typical traditional Japanese Bento is not an average packed lunch. It’s really a craft, an art. The goal with bento is to assemble a meal that is just as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.  It’s ruled first by the concept of Goshiki (five colors) which calls for the cook to include at least one item from each color group (Red or Orange, White, Black or Purple or Brown, Yellow and Green).  Food is divided proportionally, 3 parts rice to 2 parts fruit and/or vegetables to 1 part protein. Bento boxes are packed tightly, wedging the food into place so it maintains its visual appeal until lunchtime.Â
Beyond that, they can get pretty crazy. It’s not uncommon for Japanese mothers to prepare an elaborate, playfully and creatively decorated boxed lunch to entice their children to eat all of their food when they’re at school. Some of it is so artistic, its hard to believe that its all edible.
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And while I admit, I have seen some beautiful bentos, that’s not its only draw. I stumbled on to it while researching lunch boxes for the kidlet and hubby. Hubby wants to start taking lunches instead of purchasing them at the deli so that he can work on his health as well. And while the kidlet doesn’t need daily lunches right now, as his preschool provides meals and I am satisfied with thier nutrition, it doesn’t hurt to start looking now, when I was looking for the hubby anyway! I wanted a “green” solution, in the materials used for the box, and in reusable bits for storage and I came across Laptop Lunchboxes, which are often called the “american bento”. One thing led on to another. I love the no waste concept, the portion control imposed by a bento box. Even if I’m not interested in building Grand Masterpieces of Design with elaborate characters and such (“Kyaraben”), the art of building a bento appeals to me, balancing it in food types and color, creating a nutritious, yet attractive lunch appeals to me.
Besides, bento box accessories are just so CUTE! 😉
If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. ~ Buddha
I didn’t know that about the five colors. Interesting. 🙂
Yea, the traditional japanese mom follows all kinds of rules — color and proportion. They aren’t supposed to include any candy or junk foods, and of course, no space unused, a visible bottom is a big no-no! They are also supposed to incorporate five different COOKING methods – simmer, steam, grill, fry, broil, raw, etc. And they are supposed to include five flavors — spicy, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.
And apparently even the eaters of the bento are supposed to practice a rule of five — “Gokan no mon†(five outlooks or viewpoints). This guideline follows the Buddhist doctrine referring to the state of mind you should have while eating.
1. Ponder deep gratitude for the people who prepared the meal.
2. Perform deeds and have thoughts worthy of receiving such nourishment.
3. Partake of food with no ire (anger).
4. Realize that eating this food is feeding the soul as well as the body.
5. Be seriously engaged on the road to enlightenment.
Me? I think I’ll just make healthy-ish meals that the kidlet will eat that hopefully also look nice. =0)