04/10/2025 San-A Hamby Town
Check out my finds this week at San-A Hamby Town!
Some of my newest discoveries include:
-Organic Cake Flour
-Hen of the Woods Mushrooms
-Organic Australian Honey
-Organic Rolled Oats
-Artisanal Essential Oil Soaps (Made in Okinawa) (Cosmetics Store in the same shopping Center)
-Moony Natural Diapers & Organic Cotton Wipes (Bunny Store – 3 minutes from San A Hamby Town).
What I learned from this trip…
Always read the ingredients list- you may be pleasantly surprised.
My husband and I are big fans of high-quality, great-smelling soaps—but what’s the point if they’re full of questionable ingredients? Back in the States, we used to pick up artisanal soaps at farmers markets or our local grocery store. So I was excited to find something similar here in Okinawa!
These soaps seriously smelled too good to be true and I almost passed them up because their aroma reminded me of an expensive perfume- which usually indicates fragrance. To my surprise there was only essential oils on the ingredients list!
Near the cosmetics section across from the bathrooms at San A Hamby Town, there’s a local products area that carries beautifully made artisanal soaps crafted with minimal ingredients. The scent options are luxurious—think rosemary lavender, aloe vera, rose bush, and more adventurous ones like bitter gourd and marine silt.
I picked up the Tankan Orange & Hibiscus bars, both smell amazing and use essential oils that are safe for breastfeeding moms. Best of all? These soaps are made right here in Okinawa!
This week is my husband’s birthday, so part of my mission was to hunt down cake flour—I make him a homemade tres leches cake every year, and it’s kind of our thing. Not only did I find cake flour, but I found organic cake flour! They also had organic bread flour and all-purpose, which was such a nice surprise.
I even scored some vanilla bean, which I love adding to my Homemade Whipped Cream for a little extra razzle-dazzle. The only thing I couldn’t find was evaporated milk… but turns out, you can just make it on the stove. Duh!
I feel like I’ve been on the hunt for organic rolled oats since I first got here. Ever since learning about the radioactive oat experiments in the 1940s, I just haven’t trusted Quaker Oats products. So finding a good alternative has been high on my list.
Now that I finally found some, I can’t wait to whip up a batch of my favorite Fermented Cacao Black Sesame Seed Granola—and treat myself to a soothing frankincense and colloidal oat bath while I’m at it.
Another organic gem I’ve been on the lookout for: honey. It’s a daily essential in our home. Whether I’m brewing a cup of my Postpartum Tea, treating my skin to a Honey Facial, or taking a spoonful of my Smashed Garlic Honey Infusion to support my immune system—honey is always in use.
I try to swap it in wherever I might normally use sugar, since it has a lower glycemic index, a richer nutrient profile, and is full of antioxidants.
Something new that I’m excited to try is Maitake, AKA Hen of the Woods. This mushroom is well known for its “chicken” like taste and its many health benefits.
Packed with immune-boosting beta-glucans, they help support the body’s natural defenses and may even enhance the effects of certain cancer treatments. Maitake also shows promise in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, making them a great option for metabolic support. Rich in antioxidants, they help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while their fiber content supports digestion and healthy weight management. Some research even links maitake to improved cholesterol levels and hormonal balance. Whether sautéed, added to soups, or steeped in teas, these mushrooms are a powerful, natural way to nourish your body.
I will be posting a simple recipe for Stir Fried Maitake this week.
Last but definitely not least, I’m excited to share my newest favorite find — these diapers and wipes have the cleanest ingredient list I’ve come across, both on and off base, and the price is unbeatable. Made with organic cotton, they’re incredibly soft, and the wipes are noticeably thick and cushiony, which I love. While San-A currently only carries the newborn size in diapers, they do stock the wipes. Luckily, the Bunny store just down the street offers a wider range of sizes. A friend also mentioned there’s a baby store upstairs — I’ll check it out soon and update if they carry more sizes of the Moony Naturals
Stay tuned for more weekly finds, and stay mindful!
– Lexi
PCS Pantry 