Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Japan's Sweets

As I looked for inspiration for today's post that somehow {for no reason why} went with yesterday's post, I stumbled into images of Japanese sweets or Wagashi. I don't know how many of you have had the chance to eat any but they are beautiful to see and delicious to taste {see yesterday's post}.


They started being made in Japan when the Japanese started the sugar trade with the country, whic was brought from India about 400 years ago. Since then, wagashi has become an important part of tea rituals, celebrations and everyday life.


Each season new wagashi is made to reflect what the season is all about. There are many types of sweets and many of them involve a type of small cake with a filling or a jelly like shape with fruit in them. They are made in the majority with natural ingredients including red bean, kidney beans, glutinous rice, powdered rice, sweet potatoes, sesame, agar-agar and sugar. 


My favorite type is mochi, which some of you might have seen or had at your local sushi restaurant or as topping at you frozen yogurt store. It is made with many fillings and flavors being the most popular the green tea and chocolate ones.


Wagashi is typically made by hand by skilled confectioners who make the different forms, press them into molds and decorate them to resemble animals, flowers or allusive to a specific festivity {they even make them for Christmas!}. If you want to buy some check out your local specialty store or this website.

Have a nice day and marvel at the sweetness!
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29 comments:

  1. A Life Un-StyledFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:19 AM

    I like Japanese sweets because they aren't sickly sweet (like Indian sheets) I love making matcha cookies - though really they aren't technically a sweet :)

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  2. Eleanor at Mirror Of My WorldFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    wow ive never heard of these... they look so dainty and beautiful x

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  3. Natasha GregsonFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    I've never seen these before-they look delicious :)

    www.ngofficial.blogspot.co.uk

    <3

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  4. Camila FariaFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    I've never tried them, but they sure look a-ma-zing!

    http://naomemandeflores.com/en

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  5. little luxury listFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    I just bought some glutinous rice flour and you have inspired me to make some mochi!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  6. erika soroccoFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    They are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. :D

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  7. Diana MieczanFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Aww...they look so pretty:) Now I need to try them. Have a cozy day, sweetie.

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  8. Thelma FrayneFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    So pretty- they look like flowers. I want to try these!

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  9. JohannaFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    I love this post. I've often looked at their desserts and sweets with fascination. There foods leave so much to discover. I'd love to go!

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  10. Albertina M. CisnerosFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    I love the mochis...these are all so beautiful and delicate.

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  11. Travel GourmandeFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:47 AM

    Mochi is so yummy. I went crazy with it during my last vacation. I think any flavor is just delicious. My favorite one was with sesame and chocolate ice cream. Your post makes me crave for one now. :)

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  12. Elle SeesFebruary 20, 2013 at 10:49 AM

    i've not really had many japanese treats, but i love the beauty products...sharing post on friday!

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  13. Natalia | Look-A-PorterFebruary 20, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    I once saw a documentary about them - they showed the entire process, start to finish. Absolutely love the look and idea behind these sweethearts, but never actually tried them. x

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  14. UnknownFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    Mmmmmmm! They look so yummy, and do't seem to be your typical sweet. Looks like I will have to hunt some down in our neck of the woods. xo

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  15. Tina L. HookFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    How pretty.

    I'll be on the look out for these.

    www.GirlwithaNewLife2.com

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  16. UnknownFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    Gorgeous! I would love to try them, I will keep my eye out for them.

    always, koru kate

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  17. Always MayleeFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    I haven't had a good mochi in forever, now I definitely need to get some soon!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  18. birdie to beFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    Yum! I love green tea treats!

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  19. A Crimson KissFebruary 20, 2013 at 1:36 PM

    How I adore mochi!

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  20. Oh to Be a MuseFebruary 20, 2013 at 2:00 PM

    The photos are great. Makes the food look adorable and delicious.

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  21. OliviaFebruary 20, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    I love cute food :) I must try! Thanks for sharing :)

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  22. CravingforbarneysFebruary 20, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    I've never tried Japanese sweets! Seems yummy!

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  23. Shannon of HAPPINESS ISFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:16 PM

    Ah I love mochi! My hubs and I had some for Valentine's Day dessert :) xo

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  24. kate February 20, 2013 at 8:30 PM

    Oh my goodness, edible art. So beautiful! I've had mochi a few times, but I definitely gotta try some of the others!!
    thisiskatefunk

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  25. Style, She WroteFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    Great post! Thank you for the history re-cap and yummy pictures. xo style, she wrote

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  26. ElleFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    Interesting post - I've had mochi a few times but I didn't really know much about it!

    elle [wonderfelle world]

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  27. UnknownFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:53 PM

    They look delish!

    xo, Courtney

    girlavantgarde.com

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  28. The Chic SheetFebruary 20, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    Yum!!!! These are so pretty too :)


    XX,
    Miranda

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  29. StephanieFebruary 23, 2013 at 6:12 PM

    I have tried mochi, but none of the others. Have a great weekend!

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