烧酎：低卡路里、高风味的日本瑰宝

烧酎（Shochu）是日本的传统蒸馏酒，不仅口感多样、适合各种场合，还因其潜在的健康益处而备受推崇。首先，烧酎的卡路里和糖分低，相较于其他烈酒更为健康，酒精浓度约在25度左右，适合搭配各种料理。在饮用方式上，烧酎的灵活性极高，不论是直接饮用、加冰、加水、甚至是以热水稀释，每种方式都能呈现不同的风味层次。

饮用热烧酎(Oyuwari)，尤其对血液循环有所助益，还被认为有助于预防血管中的血块形成。而烧酎的经济性高，价格合理，因为饮用方式多元，适合各种场合，无论是家中小酌、好友聚会，或是正式场合，都能轻松融入。

历史上，烧酎的用途广泛。在古代的《草本时镜》一书中提到烧酎可作为天然防腐剂；当时人们会将烧酎加入清酒中，称之为「柱烧酎」，延长保存期限。除此之外，烧酎也被认为是一种天然的口服药。我有一位日本的朋友他的父亲来自鹿耳岛（烧酎的发源地）有次聊天时，他提到，当地人身体不适时，会用烧酎加入一颗蛋，稍微加热煮熟后服用。隔日便能感到身体舒缓，下次大家或许可以尝试看看这种方法。 (不负责任推荐)

烧酎具备健康性、风味多样及价格合理的特点，使其成为高CP值的优质酒品，适合探索其不同层次的饮酒爱好者。你今天烧酎了吗?

Shochu: A Low-Calorie, High-Flavor Japanese Spirit

Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled spirit that’s highly regarded not only for its diverse flavors but also for its potential health benefits. First, shochu has lower calories and sugar content than other spirits, making it a healthier option. With an alcohol content of around 25%, it pairs well with a variety of dishes. Shochu is also incredibly versatile in terms of how it’s served; whether neat, on the rocks, diluted with water, or warmed (oyuwari), each method brings out unique layers of flavor.

Drinking hot shochu (oyuwari) is believed to improve blood circulation and may help prevent blood clots. Shochu is known for its excellent value as well, with a reasonable price point and versatility that make it suitable for any occasion—from casual sipping at home to formal gatherings.

Historically, shochu had many uses. The ancient Japanese text Sōhonshinkyō mentions it as a natural preservative. In the past, people added shochu to sake, calling it hashira shochu, to extend the sake’s shelf life. It was even regarded as a natural oral remedy. A Japanese friend once shared that his father, from Kagoshima (a shochu stronghold), mentioned how locals would add an egg to warmed shochu and drink it to alleviate discomfort. They often felt relief the next day—a remedy you might try yourself (disclaimer: this is not an official recommendation).

With its health benefits, diverse flavors, and affordability, shochu is truly a high-value drink for those eager to explore various layers of flavor.