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!

29 comments:

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

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

    www.ngofficial.blogspot.co.uk

    <3

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

    http://naomemandeflores.com/en

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

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

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

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

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

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  13. 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. 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. How pretty.

    I'll be on the look out for these.

    www.GirlwithaNewLife2.com

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

    always, koru kate

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

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

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  20. I've never tried Japanese sweets! Seems yummy!

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

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

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  24. 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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  25. Yum!!!! These are so pretty too :)


    XX,
    Miranda

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

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