[Akita] Characterized by elegant sweetness! What is Akita's specialty "Morokoshi"?

Each region has its special products. Of course, Akita Prefecture also has many special products, and the souvenir shops are lined with colorful sweets and folk crafts.

Among the souvenirs, the sweets called ``Kinman'' are particularly famous, and can be purchased at many places around Akita Station, including arcades and station buildings. It's a sweet made of castella-like dough wrapped in white bean paste, and there was even a famous commercial in Akita Prefecture with the phrase "I ate 28 pieces!" It is a very familiar sweet to the people of Akita Prefecture, and it can be said to be an easy souvenir for people outside the prefecture.

However, Kinman is not the only famous sweet from Akita Prefecture. This time we will be introducing Morokoshi, a famous confectionery that is as easy to buy as Kinman. They are a variety of sweets that are fun just to look at.

What is “Morokoshi”? Delving into the history of Akita confectionery

"Morokoshi" is one of the famous confections representing Akita Prefecture. There are various theories, but in kanji it is written as ``Moroetsu'', ``Karato'', and ``Morokonzi''. It is a sweet made from azuki bean powder, and currently mixed with white sugar and Wasanbon, sorghum is sold in different shapes and flavors in each region and at each store in Akita Prefecture.

The history of sorghum is said to date back to the Edo period. When a confectionery similar to rakugan made from azuki bean flour was presented to a lord, the then lord of the Kubota domain praised it, saying, ``It has a better flavor than other sweets!'' This is why it was called ``Morogoe.'' I did. The reason why sorghum became famous within the prefecture was because the feudal lord said it was delicious.

Such sorghum is still loved by the people of the prefecture, and many types have been sold over time. All of them have interesting colors and shapes. As an example, let me introduce sorghum that is actually sold.

Interesting colors and shapes! Akita dog shape and cherry blossom shape perfect for spring are also available.

The interesting thing about sorghum is that there are many types. Some are shaped like Akita dogs, others are engraved with scenes from Akita's Kanto Festival, or are engraved with butterbur, and some are in the shape of plum or cherry blossoms. The price is reasonable at around a few hundred yen for a small pack, and people from young to old will be very happy to give it as a small souvenir. It's also a good idea to choose corn according to the season.

Most souvenir shops in Akita Prefecture carry corn. It is also commonly sold at supermarkets. It is a sweet that continues to be loved by the people of the prefecture.

This is cherry-colored, cherry-shaped sorghum. It goes very well with slightly bitter drinks such as hojicha and green tea. The elegant sweetness is both delicious and gorgeous, making it perfect for tea parties. The raw material used is high-quality Wasanbon, and when you put it in your mouth, it melts into your mouth without even having to chew. It reminds me of falling cherry blossom petals. If you're visiting Akita in spring, this is the sorghum you should check out.

The wrapping paper of this sorghum is shaped like a lantern festival. If you visit Akita in the summer, we recommend purchasing one and handing it out to those around you saying, "I saw the Kanto Festival!" The shapes of the sorghum are often elaborate, and the wrapping paper is also seasonal and reminiscent of Akita.

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The sorghum that made the feudal lord exclaim, ``It's better in flavor than other sweets!'' is also ``good in shape'' and ``in interesting packaging.'' It's interesting just to see Karari and corn lined up at souvenir shops, including at stations. I'm sure your child will be excited and say, "It's a dog!" and "It's a flower!"

It has a refined sweetness, and it has the characteristic that it melts easily without being chewed. Please try choosing Morokoshi as a souvenir for the elderly or those who like Japanese tea! This is a highly recommended representative confectionery from Akita Prefecture.