Bamboo steamers are traditional cooking vessels that originated in China, but are now widely used in Asian cuisine throughout the world. The bamboo steamer consists of multiple thin layers of bamboo, where craftsmen expertly wrap the layers by hand into a circular shape. The steam lid is crafted with layers of a twill weave, resulting in a domed inner surface where steam will not escape. Constructing the steamer this way has been perfected over many generations.
A similar but distinct steaming vessel, called a seiro, is unique to Japanese cuisine. The seiro steamer is traditionally crafted with hinoki, a durable cypress with a pleasant lemon wood scent. To craft the steamer with this wood, a special technique was developed called magewappa, a traditional steam-bending technique, developed generations ago in Akita Prefecture. The lid for this type of steamer sits flat on top of the body.
Artisans have also created bamboo steamers made from hinoki cypress. Featuring substantially thicker exterior walls, these steamers are durable, well insulated and simply beautiful, as the exterior walls show a continuous pattern of wood grain. Hinoki Kitchen Craft is proud to offer these unique bamboo steamers, which are handcrafted in Japan and built to last for years of cooking.
