[Yamagata Prefecture] What are Yamagata's local sweets, "karakara senbei" and "milk cake"?

  • ikoke
  • Last updated: 2023.03.22

The sweets have a unique name and look somehow adorable and delicious. Two of Yamagata Prefecture's most representative local sweets are ``karakara senbei'' from the Shonai region and ``milk cake'' from the inland Okitama region.

So, what kind of sweets are they? You might not guess it just from the name, but we will introduce some delicious sweets that both children and adults will love!

Please read to the end. You'll definitely want to try it!

What kind of rice cracker is [karakara senbei]?

Photo by ikoke

The lord of the Sakai family, who ruled the Shonai domain during the Edo period, was very fond of sweets, and recommended making sweets.

Therefore, many Japanese sweets (dagashi) were made in the Shonai domain.

I hear that even today in the Shonai region, there are many sweets used for celebratory events and high-class Japanese sweets.

One of them is Karakara Senbei. The reason rice crackers make a rattling sound when you shake them is because there are toys inside.

The name comes from the ``karakara'' sound it makes when you shake the rice cracker, making it a cute confectionery that is very popular with children.

On a personal note, when I was little, my father bought this for me as a souvenir on a business trip, and I remember tearing it open with excitement.

Photo by ikoke

When you break open a rice cracker, you'll find an old-fashioned toy wrapped in washi paper inside.

seeing what's inside after I break it open! But please don't just cut it open, eat it properly. The rice crackers themselves are also very delicious.

He'll have so much fun with the toys that he'll eat them one by one!

　　　ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

What is the secret behind the deliciousness of Karakara rice crackers?

Photo by ikoke

When you think of rice crackers, you may think of salty flavors, but Karakara rice crackers are made with only wheat and sugar and have no additives, making them a sweet treat that can be safely given to young children.

The simple sweetness makes it so delicious that you won't get tired of it. It is said that they use 100% brown sugar from Yonaguni Island, Okinawa Prefecture

In the past, it was called Untoku Senbei and was sold as a lucky charm for the New Year. It is said that just a round rice cracker was not enough, so when it was freshly baked and still soft, it was folded from three sides and a small lucky charm was placed inside.

In the past, they used to contain dolls such as Daikoku-sama and soldiers made of lead, but now they are filled with small items that do not pose a food hygiene problem, carefully wrapped in washi paper.

What came out when I popped it open was a small folded paper balloon, and the second one contained a cute bell that looked like it could be attached to a wallet.I immediately inflated the paper balloon and played with it nostalgically.

Toys are also fun! I'm happy to eat it and it's delicious! a candy .

　　　---

Where can I buy Karakara rice crackers?

Karakara rice crackers can also be purchased at major mail order sites.

Of course, you can order it from the store where it is manufactured and sold, or you can buy it directly at the store, so we will introduce it to you.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Usami Senbei Store
  • Address: 10-10 Nishikicho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-0031
  • Phone number: 0235-22-0187
  • Business hours: 8:00-17:00 Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
  • Online shop: Usami Senbei store official homepage

GOOGLE MAP

Is milk cake also a candy?

Photo by ikoke

has long been loved as a souvenir representative of Yamagata Prefecture , is a mildly sweet milk confectionery made mainly from milk .

The manufacturer, Nippon Seikyu, was founded in 1919, and it is a confectionery made by adding sugar to the byproduct from the production of powdered milk.

Although it is named milk cake, the product display name is candy.

Even though it's candy, it doesn't feel like candy; it's crunchy and chewy. It doesn't stick to your teeth when you chew it, making it a very easy-to-eat, milk-flavored sweet that gives you a nostalgic feeling.

Because it is rich in milk-derived protein and calcium, it seems to be popular as ``edible milk''

Recently, there are also thinner, chip-type milk cakes, milk cakes with various flavors such as matcha flavor, strawberry milk flavor, etc., and they are becoming popular as souvenirs .

INFORMATION

  • Manufacturer: Nippon Milk Co., Ltd.
  • Address: 694-1 Takanoichi, Nukanome, Higashiokitama District, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-2176
  • Phone number: 0238-58-0131
  • Business hours: 8:30-17:30 Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

GOOGLE MAP

summary

There are many sweets that are representative of Yamagata Prefecture, but we have introduced ``Karara Senbei'', ``Oshidori milk cake'', which is representative of the Okitama region

Both are sweets with a long history. It has been loved not only by residents of the prefecture but also by people from outside the prefecture.

Especially for people who call Yamagata home, it seems to be ranked among the top souvenirs they buy every time they return home.

Nostalgic and simple sweets. Why not try some of Yamagata's most representative confections, which contain virtually no additives and can be safely eaten by both children and adults.

Enjoy some sweets with your tea that will make you feel nostalgic and warm.

List of related articles