[Akita Prefecture] Yellow and pink ice cream flowers blooming in Akita! What is “Babahera”?

When it comes to gourmet food in Akita Prefecture, there are some things you should never forget.
It is an ice cream called "Babahera".

As summer approaches in Akita Prefecture, parasols are hung on the streets and Babahera Ice Cream is sold. There are almost always stalls selling Babahera ice cream along the roads and tourist spots in the prefecture.

Babahera ice cream is truly a seasonal feature of Akita prefecture from summer to autumn, and the representative summer gourmet food is Babahera ice cream.

We will explore the charm of the nationally famous "Babahera" and its beauty, which is said to be "blooming." Babahera Ice Cream is not only delicious, but also very beautiful!

"Babahera" is a flower-like ice cream sold by "Auntie" (Baba).

Babahera is an ice cream sold all over Akita Prefecture. The name ``Babahera'' comes from the fact that ``Baba'' (meaning grandmother or aunt in dialect) is an ice cream that is scooped with a spatula and served in a cone.

Akita Prefecture is a snowy country located in the northern part of Japan. However, in the summer, it is not uncommon for the area to reach the height of summer, so residents of the prefecture have long sold ice cream on the streets to beat the heat.

The ice cream served by aunties is not only a summer tradition, but also a nostalgic taste of their hometown, which Akita residents say, ``I grew up with the taste of this ice cream.''

In addition to cherry blossom viewing and fireworks displays, there are many Babahera stalls along the national highway in the summer. People from other prefectures are surprised and wonder, ``There are so many ice cream stalls?'' and the area is often featured on TV programs that introduce the area.

Babahera is a beautiful ice cream that is said to bloom. The ladies make flower petals with spatulas and give them to us, making them look like roses.

Each auntie has their own unique way of making roses, with some aunties making flowers that look exactly like roses, and others making flowers that look like rosebuds just beginning to bloom.

Babahera is made up of yellow and peach ice cream, so it looks exactly like a flower made of yellow and peach, and it has become popular nationwide due to its beautiful appearance.

If you pay her and say, ``Auntie, please give me one,'' she will immediately skillfully use a spatula to make ice cream flowers right in front of you. It's really fun to watch. The finished ice cream is almost a waste to eat.

INFORMATION

• Name: Shindo Reika Co., Ltd.
• Address: 12-1 Shimoya Nagane, Kakumazaki, Oga City, Akita Prefecture
• Phone number: 0185-46-2066
• Official URL: http://babahera.net/

GOOGLE MAP

You can find ice cream from all over the country at stations and souvenir shops.

Babahera is not just about stalls. It is sold at supermarkets and souvenir shops in Akita Prefecture, regardless of when stalls are open or not. You can also purchase it at shops at Akita Station.

For sale outside of these stalls, there are soft-serve ice cream types, types in cups, and types in large containers that can be eaten by the whole family.

If you're sightseeing, you'll probably want to try the rose-shaped variety. They may also be sold at roadside stations, so be sure to check if they have them when purchasing souvenirs.

As of the end of October 2017, rose flower-shaped babahera are being sold at the souvenir shop at Akita Station.

lastly

Babahera is an ice cream from Akita Prefecture that is known throughout the country. Outside of summer and early autumn, it is difficult to find street stalls.

Autumn and winter in Akita are so cold that I can't stop shivering when I eat ice cream outside. However, if you are visiting from outside the prefecture or overseas, you definitely want to try this babahera, and you definitely want to see it! Many people seem to think so, and the market has expanded considerably compared to the past.

Currently, no matter what time of year you visit Akita, you can meet Babahera at various shops. Regional limited sweets with Babahera flavor are also on sale. There is also mail order.

It is said that Akita is synonymous with ice cream, so be sure to try the local flavor at least once.