A Q&A with Harvest Market Sushi Chef

At Harvest Market, you can find a large variety of delicious natural, fair trade, bulk, and prepared foods as well as personal care items and wellness products.

We also love the sushi! Below you will get a behind-the-scenes look at the sushi offered here and the story behind how Chef Kurtz develops the great fresh taste.

Harvest Market Kitchen Manager, Chef Megan Bushnell, introduces Fumie Kurtz, the kitchen’s sushi chef

Fumie and I trained in Shotokan Karate together and, shortly after I started managing the Harvest Market Kitchen, there was a holiday party. Fumie brought the most amazing sushi trays, and when I found out she had made them, I asked her to teach me how as well. Two minutes later, I said, “Better yet, why don’t you come work in my kitchen.” I love that Chef Kurtz not only makes wonderful sushi rolls, but she has also introduced us to traditional Japanese foods like karaage, a Japanese style fried chicken that happens to be gluten-free.

A Fig Q&A with Chef Kurtz

What makes Harvest Market unique from other grocers and marketplaces?

Because of the quality standards of the store, as a chef, I am given license to use very high quality ingredients in our sushi. We put our heart and soul into making the best food for our customers!

What is a personal favorite prepared food item you offer at the market?

Spicy Smoked Salmon Rolls and Teriyaki Tofu Bowls are my favorite to make and eat! Teriyaki Bowls feature wild salmon, chicken, tofu or karaage chicken marinated in our housemade teriyaki sauce, and served atop shredded vegetables, seaweed and fresh rice.

Could you explain a little about your summer trips home and how that also gives you the opportunity to learn more sushi-making skills?

The main reason I go to Fukuoka, my home city in Japan, is to spend time with my family.  But I always feel like I’m going back to basics; refreshing my mind, reconnecting with authentic Japanese food, and enjoying sushi and rolls made by local and experienced sushi chefs in Japan. I have more opportunities to taste food than make food in Japan.

What do you think is important to offer customers when it comes to food options?

Nourishment, customers knowing where food comes from. Great taste.

Why do you think the sushi at Harvest Market is special?

Our Sushi Rolls are made using authentic traditional methods, especially when we make rice. In fact, rice is the most important part of sushi; it can’t be too dry or too soft, is has to be perfect! We don’t take short-cuts to make sushi rice and strive for the perfect combination/harmony of authentic and creative rolls. We also take time to make homemade Gari (pickled ginger).

We use all organic ingredients, such as organic vegetables, organic rice, organic vinegar, wild Alaskan smoked sockeye salmon, and Organic Tamari gluten-free soy sauce for our sushi which is made fresh every day. I haven’t seen any other store carry sushi made with the same quality of ingredients.

Are there any new upcoming specials or new products you’d like to tease?

Look for Futomaki (thicker rolls) and Onigiri (rice balls) in the near future.

Find out more about Harvest Market Natural Foods online and plan your visit!