Editing Soba

{{short description|Thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Infobox food
| name             = Soba
| image            = Dried soba noodles by FotoosVanRobin.jpg
| image_size       = 300px
| caption          = Dried ''soba''
| alternate_name   = 
| country          = [[Japan]]
| region           = 
| creator          = 
| course           = 
| type             = [[Noodle]]s
| served           = Hot, cold
| main_ingredient  = [[Buckwheat]]
| variations       = 
| calories         = 
| other            = 
}}

'''Soba''' ({{linktext|そば}} or {{linktext|蕎麦}}, "buckwheat") are [[Japanese noodles]] made primarily from [[buckwheat]] flour, with a small amount of [[wheat flour]] mixed in.<ref name="Naomichi p249">{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=249}}</ref> 
It has an ashen brown color, and a slightly grainy texture.<ref name="Naomichi p249" /> The noodles are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or hot in a [[noodle soup]]. They are used in a wide variety of dishes.

In Japan, soba noodles can be found at fast food venues like {{Nihongo|standing-up-eating|[[:ja:立ち食いそば・うどん店|立ち食いそば]]|tachigui-soba|}} to expensive specialty restaurants.<ref name="Mente2">{{cite book|last=Mente|first=Boye Lafayette De|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OT8OSoiYyagC&q=tachi-gui+soba%E3%80%80station&pg=PA70|title=Dining Guide to Japan: Find the Right Restaurant, Order the Right Dish, and|publisher=Tuttle Publishing|year=2007|isbn=978-4-8053-0875-2|page=70}}</ref> Dried soba noodles are sold in stores, along with ''[[List of Japanese condiments#Mentsuyu|men-tsuyu]]'', or instant noodle broth, to make home preparation easy.<ref name="Andoh2">{{cite book|last1=Andoh|first1=Elizabeth|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vGGSh3PSwQAC&q=%22dried+soba%22&pg=PA34|title=Washoku: recipes from the Japanese home kitchen|last2=Beisch|first2=Leigh|publisher=Ten Speed Press|year=2005|isbn=978-1-58008-519-9|page=34}}</ref> 

The amino acid balance of the protein in buckwheat, and therefore in soba, is well matched to the needs of humans and can complement the amino acid deficiencies of other staples such as rice and wheat (see [[protein combining]]). The tradition of eating soba arose in the [[Edo period]].

== Etymology ==
[[File:Mori soba of Fuji-soba.jpg|thumb|''Mori soba'', served cold with dipping sauce and ''[[Allium fistulosum|negi]]'']]
The word ''soba'' (蕎麦) means "[[buckwheat]]" (''Fagopyrum esculentum'').<ref>{{cite book|last1=Rein|first1=Johannes Justus|url=https://archive.org/details/industriesofjapa00reinuoft|title=The Industries of Japan: Together with an Account of its Agriculture, Forestry, Arts, and Commerce. From Travels and Researches Undertaken at the Cost of the Prussian Government|publisher=Hodder and Stoughton|year=1889|page=[https://archive.org/details/industriesofjapa00reinuoft/page/55 55]}}</ref> The full name for buckwheat noodles is ''soba-kiri'' (蕎麦切り "buckwheat slices"), but ''soba'' is commonly used for short. 

Historically, soba noodles were called ''Nihon-soba'', ''Wa-soba'', or ''[[Yamato people|Yamato]]-soba'', all of which mean "Japanese soba". This was meant to distinguish soba from wheat noodles of Chinese origin, such as [[ramen]], [[sōmen]], or [[udon]].

In more recent times, ''soba'' can refer to noodles in general, regardless of origin or composition. For example, ''ramen'' was traditionally called ''chūka soba'' (中華そば) or ''shina soba'' (支那そば), both meaning "Chinese noodles", though the word ''[[Shina (word)|shina]]'' is now considered offensive.<ref name="Cwiertka2006">{{Cite book|title=Modern Japanese cuisine: food, power and national identity|first=Katarzyna Joanna |last=Cwiertka|publisher=Reaktion Books| year= 2006|isbn=978-1-86189-298-0| pages=144–145| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oK-7LOlWNpEC&pg=PA144}}; [https://books.google.com/books?id=oK-7LOlWNpEC&pg=PA145 p145]</ref> ''Soba'' can be used to refer to wheat noodles, as in ''[[aburasoba]]'' or ''[[yakisoba]]''. In [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]], ''soba'' generally refers to [[Okinawa soba]], also made from wheat flour.<ref name="Honbano_OkinawaSoba">{{Cite web |title=Okinawa soba |script-title=ja:沖縄そば（茹麺・生麺） |url=https://honbamon.com/product/26-okinawa-soba/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727073205/https://honbamon.com/product/26-okinawa-soba/index.html |archive-date=2021-07-27 |access-date=2021-07-27 |website=Honbano Honmono |publisher= |language=ja |quote=(translation): ...Okinawans call this noodle ''soba'' or in dialect ''suba''...}}</ref><ref name="Nahanavi2018">{{Cite web|url=https://www.naha-navi.or.jp/en/magazine/2018/07/13079/|title=Okinawa Soba|date=2018-07-02|access-date=2021-07-27|website=NAHANAVI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306170336/https://www.naha-navi.or.jp/en/magazine/2018/07/13079/|archive-date=2021-03-06|url-status=live|publisher=Naha City Tourist Association|language=en}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Udon soba introduction stele.jpg|thumb|Stele commemorating the introduction of soba and [[udon]] noodles at [[Jōten-ji]] temple. [[Enni]], the temple's founder, is traditionally believed to have brought noodlemaking back to Japan from China.<ref name="faure p320">{{Harvnb|Faure|2021|p=320}}</ref>]]

===Background===
Traces of buckwheat have been found at [[Neolithic]] sites in Japan, dating to 4000-2000 BCE, during the [[Jōmon period]].<ref>{{Harvnb|von Verschuer|2016|p=8}}</ref>

Buckwheat cultivation was first recorded in the ''[[Shoku Nihongi]]'', in an imperial edict of 722 CE issued by [[Empress Genshō]], instructing farmers to plant buckwheat in response to [[drought]] and [[famine]]. Another edict of 839 CE declared that buckwheat should be sown in August, and harvested in October, because the crop grows quickly in poor soil.<ref>{{Harvnb|von Verschuer|2016|p=25}}</ref> However, buckwheat did not seem to be widely cultivated, and was only sporadically eaten as [[porridge]].

In the 8th century, noodle-type foods of Chinese origin appeared in Japan.<ref>{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=77}}</ref> Later, the monk [[Enni]] (1202-1280) is traditionally credited for introducing noodles to Japan after returning from China.<ref name="faure p320" />

The first specific reference to buckwheat noodles (''soba-kiri'') comes from a record of 1574, kept at [[:ja:%E5%AE%9A%E5%8B%9D%E5%AF%BA|Jōshō-ji]] temple, which documents that ''soba-kiri'' was served to workers repairing the [[Main Hall (Japanese Buddhism)|main hall]].<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/29463?page=3|title=中国4000年より深い そばの歴史9000年 (9000 Year of Soba History)|publisher=JAPAN Business Press|author=漆原次郎|accessdate=2024-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=78}}</ref> More mentions of soba noodles follow throughout the early 1600s.

===Edo period===
[[File:Sunaba izumiya.jpg|thumb|Print depicting ''Sunaba'', a popular soba restaurant from [[Osaka]]. By Takehara Shunchōsai, 1796-1798]]
Modern soba originates from the [[Edo period]] (1603-1868), centered around the city of Edo (modern [[Tokyo]]). The earliest references to soba are associated with [[Buddhist temples in Japan|Buddhist monasteries]] and [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremonies]]. 

The 1643 cookbook ''[[:ja:%E6%96%99%E7%90%86%E7%89%A9%E8%AA%9E|Ryōri Monogatari]]'' (料理物語) is the first to contain a recipe for making soba. After the [[Great Fire of Meireki]] in 1657, soba shops became increasingly common in Tokyo.<ref>{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=120}}</ref>

At first, soba was considered a low-class food, but its reputation improved by the 18th century, when it began to be eaten by [[samurai]] and other high status peoples.<ref>{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=124}}</ref> 

One estimate states that every city block had one or more restaurants serving soba.<ref name="Naomichi p122-123">{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=122-123}}</ref> These soba establishments, many also serving [[sake]], functioned much like modern cafes where locals would stop for a casual meal.<ref name="Watson">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S6oVJbezGfEC&q=edo+soba&pg=PA165|title=Golden arches east: McDonald's in East Asia|first=James L. |last=Watson|publisher=Stanford University Press|year=1997|isbn=978-0-8047-3207-9|page=165}}</ref> In 1860, a meeting in Tokyo concerning the price of buckwheat was attended by 3,726 shops, indicating the popularity of soba.<ref name="Naomichi p122-123" /> Soba was also sold from mobile food stalls called ''[[Yatai (food cart)|yatai]]''.<ref>{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=217}}</ref>

At the time, much of the city's population was susceptible to [[beriberi]], due to high consumption of white rice, which is low in [[thiamine]].<ref name="Lien">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7RZSJAaNIHMC&q=edo+beriberi&pg=PA127|title=The politics of food |first1=Marianne E. |last1=Lien|first2=Brigitte |last2=Nerlich |publisher=Berg Publishers |page=127|year=2004|isbn= 978-1-85973-853-5 }}</ref> Soba, which is high in thiamine, was regularly eaten to prevent beriberi.<ref name="Udesky">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fg9HAAAAYAAJ&q=soba+beriberi+edo&pg=PA127|title=The book of soba|first=James |last=Udesky |publisher=Kodansha International |page=107|year=1988|isbn= 978-0-87011-860-9 }}</ref>

<gallery widths="130px" heights="130px" mode="packed">
File:Machikado-ya Tenzaru Teishoku 20220529-02.jpg|''Zaru soba'' is an early form of soba, because soba was originally steamed on bamboo trays called ''[[zaru]]''
Three children eating, Japan LCCN2001705662.jpg|Three children eating soba, 1890-1923
Fukuyama soba restaurant 1771.jpg|Soba delivery in Fukiya-chō, Tokyo. Print by [[Kitao Shigemasa]], 1771
Japanese Edo Soba Yatai 03.jpg|Replica of a ''[[Yatai (food cart)|yatai]]'' (food stall) from the [[Edo period]]
</gallery>

=== Modern ===
[[File:Soba buffet near Suidobashi Station by shibainu.jpg|thumb|Soba shop near [[Suidōbashi Station]], Tokyo]]
Soba continues to be popular in modern times. Restaurants dedicated to soba include Sunaba, Chōju-an, Ōmura-an, Shōgetsu-an, Masuda-ya, and Maruka, some of which are ''[[yagō]]'', or traditional establishments whose names have passed down over time.<ref name="mitsuzawa">[http://www.mitsuzawa.kanagawaku.com/shops/yabu/yabu_topic.html やぶ光トピックス] 三ツ沢商店街振興会公式ホームページ</ref> Some restaurants serve soba and [[udon]] together, since both are prepared and eaten in a similar manner.

[[Railway station]]s often sell soba, as it is a popular and inexpensive [[fast food]].<ref name= "Mente">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OT8OSoiYyagC&q=tachi-gui+soba%E3%80%80station&pg=PA70|title=Dining Guide to Japan: Find the Right Restaurant, Order the Right Dish, and |first=Boye Lafayette De |last=Mente|page=70|publisher= Tuttle Publishing |year=2007 |isbn=978-4-8053-0875-2}}</ref> They are frequently purchased by busy [[salaryman|salarymen]]. Soba continues to be sold at ''yatai'' food stalls.

There are regional differences in the consumption of soba. A common perception is that soba is more popular in the [[Kantō region]] (eastern Japan), while [[udon]] is more popular in the [[Kansai region]] (western Japan), though there are exceptions.<ref name="Naomichi p249" /> As such, soba is considered the traditional noodle of choice for Tokyoites.<ref name="Barakan">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vJbd43uxLiMC&q=soba+Tokyoites&pg=PA83|title=Tokyo city guide|first1=Mayumi Yoshida |last1=Barakan|first2=Judith Connor |last2=Greer|publisher=Tuttle Publishing|page=83|year=1996|isbn=978-0-8048-1964-0}}</ref> 

Soba is traditionally eaten on [[New Year's Eve]] in most areas of Japan. This soba is called ''[[toshikoshi soba]]'' ("year-crossing soba").<ref name="Homma"/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7TZlyilJ5DgC&q=Toshikoshi-soba&pg=PA61|title=Customs of Japan|author=Tsuchiya Haruhito|publisher=Ibc Publishing|year=2008 |isbn=978-4-89684-693-5|page=61}}</ref> In the Tokyo area, there is also a tradition of giving out soba to new neighbors after a house move (''hikkoshi soba''), although this practice is now rare.<ref name="Homma"/>

== Preparation ==
[[File:Soba Noodle Preparation.jpg|thumb|Rolling the dough for soba noodles]]
[[File:Cutting and prep soba noodles - Tokyo 2019 9 23.webm|thumb|thumbtime=3|Cutting soba noodles and preparing them, 2019]]

Soba is made by slicing dough into thin noodles. Historically, soba was made only from buckwheat flour, and was steamed in baskets, because they were too brittle to boil.<ref>{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=251}}</ref> Modern soba is usually made from a mix of 80% buckwheat flour, and 20% wheat flour.<ref>{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=250}}</ref>

Fresh soba, often served at restaurants, are generally cooked immediately after slicing, when the noodles are still moist and pliable. Store bought soba are dried and straight, and come in bundles.

==Types==
[[File:Zaru-Soba-1.jpg|thumb|Cold ''zaru soba'' topped with [[nori]]]]
Like many Japanese noodles, soba noodles are often served drained and chilled in the summer, and hot in the winter with a soy-based [[dashi]] broth. Extra toppings can be added to both hot and cold soba. Toppings are chosen to reflect the seasons and to balance with other ingredients. Most toppings are added without much cooking, although some are deep-fried. Most of these dishes may also be prepared with [[udon]].

===Cold soba===
Chilled soba is often served on a sieve-like bamboo tray called a ''[[zaru]]'', sometimes garnished with bits of dried [[nori]] seaweed, with a dipping sauce known as ''soba tsuyu'' on the side.<ref>{{Harvnb|Naomichi|2014|p=251}}</ref> The ''tsuyu'' is made of a strong mixture of ''[[dashi]]'', sweetened [[soy sauce]] (also called "satōjōyu") and [[mirin]]. Using chopsticks, the diner picks up a small amount of soba from the tray and dips it in the cold ''tsuyu'' before eating it. [[Wasabi]] and sliced [[Allium fistulosum|negi]] are often mixed into the ''tsuyu''.<ref name="Ishige">{{cite book|title=History Of Japanese Food|last=Ishige|first=Naomichi|date=17 June 2014|isbn=9781136602559|publisher=Routledge|location=London, UK|pages=249–251}}</ref> Many people think that the best way to experience the unique texture of hand-made soba noodles is to eat them cold, since letting them soak in hot broth changes their consistency. After the noodles are eaten, many people enjoy drinking the water in which the noodles were cooked (''sobayu'' {{lang|ja|蕎麦湯}}), mixed with the leftover tsuyu.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HZRDsVUZufoC&q=Sobayu&pg=PA91|title=The folk art of Japanese country cooking: a traditional diet for today's world|first=Gaku |last=Homma|page=91|publisher=North Atlantic Books|year=1991|isbn=978-1-55643-098-5}}</ref>

*''Hadaka soba'' (naked soba 裸蕎麦): Cold soba served on its own.
*''Hiyashi soba'' ({{lang|ja|冷やし蕎麦}}): Cold soba served with various toppings sprinkled on top, after which the broth is poured on by the diner. It may include:
**[[Dioscorea polystachya|tororo]]: puree of ''yamaimo'' (a Japanese yam with a mucilaginous texture)
**oroshi: grated [[daikon]] radish
**[[nattō]]: sticky fermented [[soybean]]s
**okura: fresh sliced [[okra]]
*''Mori soba'' ({{lang|ja|盛り蕎麦}}): Basic chilled soba noodles served on a flat basket or a plate.<ref name="Ishige"/>
*''Soba maki'': A [[makizushi]] prepared as cold soba wrapped in nori.
* Soba salad: Cold soba mixed in the sesame dressing with vegetables. It is a modern and fusion cold soba dish mostly served outside Japan.
*''Zaru soba'' ({{lang|ja|笊蕎麦}}): ''Mori soba'' topped with shredded nori seaweed.<ref name="Ishige"/>

===Hot soba===
[[File:Tanuki soba by rhosoi in Cupertino, CA.jpg|thumb|Tanuki soba with ''[[tenkasu]]'' bits]]

Soba is also often served as a [[noodle soup]] in a bowl of hot ''tsuyu''. The hot ''tsuyu'' in this instance is thinner than that used as a dipping sauce for chilled soba. Popular garnishes are sliced long onion and [[Shichimi|shichimi tōgarashi]] (mixed chili powder).

*{{nihongo3|modern soba|[[:ja:ハイカラ|ハイカラ]]蕎麦|''Haikara soba''}} : ''Tanuki soba''
*''Kake soba'' {{lang|ja|掛け蕎麦}}: Hot soba in broth topped with thinly sliced negi, and perhaps a slice of [[kamaboko]] (fish cake).<ref name="Asian Foods">{{cite book|title=Asian Foods: Science and Technology|pages=120|editor-last=Ang|editor-first=Catharina Y.W.|editor2-last=Liu|editor2-first=KeShun|editor3-last=Huang|editor3-first=Yao-Went|isbn=9781566767361|year=1999|location=PA, USA|publisher=Technomic Publishing Co}}</ref>
*{{nihongo3|wild-duck à la [[nanban trade#Usages of the word "Nanban"|nanban (exotic)]]|[[:ja:鴨南蛮|鴨南蛮]]|''[[Kamo Nanban]]''}}: Topped with [[duck meat]] and [[Welsh onion|negi]].<ref name="Itoh2015">{{Cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2015/05/15/food/nanban-dishes-fit-barbarian/|title=Nanban dishes are fit for a barbarian|last=Itoh|first=Makiko|date=2015-05-15|newspaper=[[The Japan Times]]|language=en|access-date=2021-01-27}}</ref>
*{{nihongo3|literary "[[Kitsune|fox (''kitsune'')]] soba"|[[:ja:きつね (麺類)|きつね蕎麦]]|''Kitsune soba''}} (in [[Kantō region|Kantō]]) or {{lang|ja|たぬき蕎麦}} ''Tanuki soba'' ("[[Japanese raccoon dog|raccoon dog]] soba", in [[Kansai]]): Topped with ''[[aburaage]]'' (deep-fried [[tofu]]).<ref name="Itoh2018">{{Cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2018/11/17/food/comforting-udon-noodle-recipe-winter-season/|title=A comforting udon noodle recipe for the winter season|date=2018-11-17|access-date=2021-01-27|website=The Japan Times|last=Itoh|first=Makiko}}</ref><ref name="Food Culture in Japan">{{cite book|title=Food Culture in Japan|pages=37|last1=Ashkenazi|last2=Jacbons|first1=Michael|first2=Jeanne|isbn=9780313324383|publisher=Greenwood Press|location=CT, USA|year=2003}}</ref>
*{{nihongo3|Curry soba à la [[nanban trade#Usages of the word "Nanban"|nanban (exotic)]]|[[:ja:カレー南蛮|カレー南蛮]]|''Karē nanban''}}: Hot soba (or [[udon]]) noodles in curry flavored broth<ref name="Itoh2015" /> topped with chicken/pork and thinly sliced negi.
*''Nameko soba'' {{lang|ja|なめこ蕎麦}}: Topped with [[nameko]] mushroom.
*''Nishin soba'' {{lang|ja|鰊(にしん)蕎麦}}: Topped with cooked {{nihongo3|[[dried fish]] of the [[Pacific herring]]|[[:ja:身欠きニシン|身欠きニシン]]|''migaki nishin''}}.
*''Sansai soba'' {{lang|ja|山菜蕎麦}} ("mountain vegetables soba"): Topped with ''[[sansai]]'', or wild vegetables such as [[Bracken|warabi]], [[zenmai]] and [[takenoko]] (bamboo shoots).
*''Sobagaki'' {{lang|ja|蕎麦掻き}}: A chunk of dough made of buckwheat flour and hot water.
*{{nihongo3|literary "[[Japanese raccoon dog]] soba"|[[:ja:たぬき (麺類)|たぬき蕎麦]]|''Tanuki soba''}} (in [[Kantō region|Kantō]]) or ''Haikara soba'' {{lang|ja|ハイカラ蕎麦}} (in [[Kansai]]): Topped with ''[[tenkasu]]'' (bits of deep-fried [[tempura]] batter).<ref name="Itoh2018" />
*''[[Tempura]] soba'' {{lang|ja|天麩羅蕎麦}}: Topped with tempura, a large [[shrimp]] frequently is used, but vegetables are also popular. Some of soba venders use [[kakiage]] for this dish and this often is called [[Tensoba]].
*''Tororo soba'' {{lang|ja|とろろ蕎麦}} or ''Yamakake soba'' {{lang|ja|山かけ蕎麦}}: Topped with ''[[Dioscorea polystachya|tororo]]'', the puree of ''[[Dioscorea polystachya|yamaimo]]'' (a Japanese yam with a mucilaginous texture).
*''[[Tsukimi]] soba'' {{lang|ja|月見蕎麦}} ("moon-viewing soba"): Topped with raw egg, which poaches in the hot soup.<ref name="Food Culture in Japan"/>
*''Wakame soba'' {{lang|ja|若布蕎麦}}: Topped with [[wakame]] seaweed.
*''Yamakake soba'' {{lang|ja|山かけ蕎麦}}: ''Tororo soba''
<gallery mode="packed">
Image:Kitsune soba by adactio at E-Kagen in Brighton.jpg|Kitsune soba in [[Brighton, East Sussex]], UK ([[abura-age]])
Image:Tsukimi_soba.jpg|Tsukimi soba ([[raw egg]])
image:Nameko soba ãªãããã°.jpg|Nameko soba ([[Pholiota microspora|nameko]] mushrooms)
Image:Kamonanban2.JPG|Kamonanban ([[duck]])
Image:Korokke soba.jpg|[[Korokke]] soba
Image:Tempura soba of Fuji-soba.jpg|Tempura soba ([[kakiage]])
</gallery>

==Noodle varieties==
[[Image:Izumosoba33.JPG|thumb|200px|Izumo soba, named after [[Izumo, Shimane|Izumo]], [[Shimane Prefecture]]]]
[[Image:かわらそば (293666233).jpg|thumb|200px|[[Matcha]] flavored soba]]
[[Image:Soba sushi w egg crab cucumber.JPG|thumb|Sushi made with [[matcha]] flavored soba]]

Different flavors and types of soba noodles are available. In Japan, buckwheat is produced mainly in [[Hokkaido]].<ref>{{cite web |date=29 January 2009 <!-- 平成21年１月29日公表 --> |title= |script-title=ja:平成20年産 そばの作付面積及び収穫量【調査結果の概要】 |trans-title=2008 Crop acreage and yields of buckwheat : summary of survey results |url=http://www.maff.go.jp/toukei/sokuhou/data/soba2008/soba2008.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/collections/info:ndljp/pid/286921/www.maff.go.jp/toukei/sokuhou/data/soba2008/soba2008.pdf <!-- screenshot: https://archive.today/2024.10.28-040558/https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/collections/info:ndljp/pid/286921/www.maff.go.jp/toukei/sokuhou/data/soba2008/soba2008.pdf --> |archive-date=16 July 2009 |series=農林水産統計 [Statistics of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries] <!-- I think this is the only translation that actually comes from the source --> |publisher=農林水産省 [The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan] 大臣官房 統計部 |page=7 |language=ja}}</ref> Soba that is made with newly harvested buckwheat is called ''shin-soba''. It is sweeter and more flavorful than regular soba.

[[Nagano Prefecture]] is famous for a variety of soba called ''shinshu soba'', because the region's volcanic soil and temperature extremes are suited for growing buckwheat. From the Kurohime and Togakushi highlands in the north to the Kaida highlands in the south, and the prefecture boasts the second-highest production of soba in Japan. Many facilities integrate cultivation, milling and cutting, and provide soba cutting courses for customers, a major leisure activity in Nagano.<ref>Shinshu Soba Noodles. (2014). Retrieved from Japan Brand: https://japan-brand.jnto.go.jp/foods/noodles/2801/.</ref> Only noodles containing 40% or more buckwheat flour can carry the ''shinshu'' name.<ref>Story of Japanese Local Cuisine. (2018). Retrieved from Kyoudo-ryouri.com: http://kyoudo-ryouri.com/en/food/1507.html.
</ref>

===By location===
*''Etanbetsu soba'': named after the central region of [[Hokkaidō]] (around [[Asahikawa]] city)
*''Izumo soba'': named after [[Izumo, Shimane|Izumo]] in [[Shimane Prefecture|Shimane]]
*''Izushi soba'': named after [[Izushi, Hyogo|Izushi]] in [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]]
*''Shinshu soba'' or ''Shinano soba'': named after the old names of [[Nagano Prefecture]]

===By ingredients===
*''Cha soba'': flavored with [[matcha|green tea powder]]<ref name="Belleme & Belleme"/>
*''{{ill|Hegi soba|ja|へぎそば|label=Hegi soba}}'': flavored with ''[[Gloiopeltis furcata|funori]]'' seaweed. Originated in Uonuma, Niigata
*''[[Dioscorea polystachya|Jinenjo]] soba'': flavored with wild yam, Japanese yam or Chinese yam flour<ref name="Belleme & Belleme"/>
*''Yomogi soba'': flavored with [[mugwort]]
*''Sarashina soba'': thin, light-colored soba, made with refined buckwheat
*''Inaka soba'': "country soba", thick soba made with whole buckwheat
*''Ni-hachi soba'': "two-eight soba", soba containing 20% wheat and 80% buckwheat
*''Towari soba'' or ''Juwari soba'': 100% buckwheat soba.

== Outside Japan ==
A variation of [[Okinawa soba]] known as {{Lang|pt|[[sobá]]}} is popular in the city of [[Campo Grande]], in the [[Brazilian state]] of [[Mato Grosso do Sul]] due to influence of [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]n immigrants.<ref name="MatoGrossoTV">{{Cite web|url=http://www.portaldaeducativa.ms.gov.br/sobarias-de-campo-grande-se-reunem-para-discutir-preservacao-da-receita-do-prato-tipico-da-cidade/|title=Sobarias de Campo Grande se reúnem para discutir preservação da receita do prato típico da cidade|date=2018-08-07|website=Rede Educativa MS|last=Lima|first=Daniela|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621074250/http://www.portaldaeducativa.ms.gov.br/sobarias-de-campo-grande-se-reunem-para-discutir-preservacao-da-receita-do-prato-tipico-da-cidade/|archive-date=2020-06-21|url-status=live}}</ref> It is eaten all-year long at street markets or in special restaurants called "sobarias".<ref name="OkinawaCGMS2019">{{Cite book|publisher=Associação Okinawa de Campo Grande – MS|year=2019|location=Campo Grande, Brasil|pages=554–556|url=http://www.okinawacgms.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/LIVRO-OKINAWA-EBOOK.pdf|language=pt,ja|title=Terra de Esperança – Kibo no Daitsi|chapter=VI-2 Feira Central|orig-year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727132645/http://www.okinawacgms.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/LIVRO-OKINAWA-EBOOK.pdf|archive-date=2021-07-27|url-status=live}} ([http://www.okinawacgms.com.br/ Associação Okinawa de Campo Grande – MS website])</ref> {{As of|2019}}, the recipe has deviated from Okinawa style to suit Brazilian local preferences.<ref name="OkinawaCGMS2019" />

==Etiquette==
Soba is typically eaten with [[chopsticks]], and in [[Japan]], it is considered acceptable to slurp the noodles noisily. This is especially common with hot noodles, as drawing up the noodles quickly into the mouth helps cool them. However, quiet consumption of noodles is no longer uncommon.<ref>{{cite book|title=A History of Food|last=Toussaint-Samat|first=Maguelonne|pages=171|isbn=9781444305142|location=Oxon, UK|year=2009|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell}}</ref>

==Delivery==
[[File:Soba-Noodles-Deliveryman-Tokyo-1935.png|thumb|Soba noodle deliveryman carrying stacked bowls in Tokyo, 1935]]
Food delivery services called ''demae'' (出前) originally served wealthy [[daimyō]] (lords) in the 1700s.<ref name="soba-delivery">{{cite web |title=Soba Deliveryman from the series Occupations of Shōwa Japan in Pictures, Series 2 |website=The Lavenberg Collection of Japanese Prints |date=May 12, 2018 |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |url=http://www.myjapanesehanga.com/home/artists/wada-sanzo-1883-1967/soba-deliveryman-from-the-series-occupations-of-showa-japan-in-pictures-series-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127221419/http://www.myjapanesehanga.com/home/artists/wada-sanzo-1883-1967/soba-deliveryman-from-the-series-occupations-of-showa-japan-in-pictures-series-2}}</ref> Until the late [[Shōwa period]] (1926–1989), stacks of soba bowls were carried on the shoulders of deliverymen on bicycles.<ref name="soba-delivery"/> 

In March 1961, new cycling traffic laws added restrictions.<ref name="soba-delivery"/> Officials of the [[Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department]] stated: “To ride on a bicycle with piles of soba bowls on your shoulder is dangerous. It must be prohibited from the viewpoint of road traffic safety. But we will not place any stricter curb as they will lose more than half their customers,” and, “With this police assurance to overlook the illegal traffic practice, soba delivery boys will continue to race through the streets of Tokyo.”<ref name="soba-delivery"/>

Delivering large stacks of soba is no longer practiced. Modern restaurants deliver soba by scooters. The [[Honda Super Cub]] motorcycle was designed with soba delivery in mind.<ref name="mitsuzawa"/>

==Nutritional value==
100&nbsp;grams of cooked soba yields {{convert|99|kcal|abbr=on}} of energy.<ref name=USDA>{{cite web |url=https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/6569?fgcd=Cereal+Grains+and+Pasta&manu=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=35&offset=70&sort=&qlookup= |title=Basic Report: 20115, Noodles, Japanese, soba, cooked |work=US Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28 |access-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009214211/https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/6569?fgcd=Cereal+Grains+and+Pasta&manu=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=35&offset=70&sort=&qlookup= |archive-date=2016-10-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Soba contains all nine [[essential amino acids]],<ref name="Homma">{{cite book|title=The Folk Art of Japanese Country Cooking: A Traditional Diet for Today's World|last=Homma|first=Gaku|pages=91|publisher=North Atlantic Books|location=California, USA|year=1990}}</ref> including [[lysine]], which common wheat does not contain.<ref name="Belleme & Belleme">{{cite book|title=Japanese Foods That Heal |last1=Belleme |first1=Jan |pages=126 |isbn=9780804835947 |year=2007|publisher=Tuttle Publishing|location=Vermont, USA}}</ref>

Soba contains a type of [[polysaccharide]] that is easily digested. Soba noodles also contain [[antioxidants]], including [[rutin]] and [[quercetin]], and essential nutrients including [[choline]], [[thiamine]] and [[riboflavin]].<ref name="Belleme & Belleme"/>

==See also==
* [[Frozen noodles]]
* [[Japanese cuisine]]
* [[List of buckwheat dishes]]
* [[List of noodles]]
* [[Ramen]]
* [[Toshikoshi soba]]
* [[Yakisoba]]
* {{portal-inline|Food}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}

===Sources===
* {{citation | last = Naomichi | first = Ishige | title = The History and Culture of Japanese Food | year = 2014 | publisher = Routledge | isbn = 978-0710306579}}

* {{citation | last = von Verschuer | first = Charlotte | title = Rice, Agriculture, and the Food Supply in Premodern Japan | year = 2016 | publisher = Routledge | isbn = 978-1138885219}}

* {{citation | last = Faure | first = Bernard | title = Rage and Ravage: Gods of Medieval Japan, Volume 3 | year = 2021 | publisher = University of Hawaii Press | isbn = 978-0824886240}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{cookbook}}
* [http://fxcuisine.com/default.asp?Display=38 Tokyo soba chef making noodles by hand from scratch]—illustrated article in English
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080612030035/http://www.iiyama-soba.com/eng/content/how-to-make-soba-noodles.html Soba restaurant owner in Nagano making soba noodles]—slide show with English subtitles
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xV-vEiCXXg Cook makes homemade soba noodles]—video with English and Japanese subtitles

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[[Category:Soba| ]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Buckwheat dishes]]
[[Category:Cold noodles]]
[[Category:Noodle soups]]