sweets

What is the mysterious traditional sweet "Yubeshi"? Introducing recommended souvenirs [Fukushima Prefecture]

one of the most popular local sweetsYubeshi.

This chewy texture and simple sweetness will have you becoming addicted to this snack

But did you know that the same sweet called yubeshi can be found all over the country and comes in a variety of different forms? We'll be sharing all about our love for yubeshi, including what it really is and introducing some recommended yubeshi, so please stay with us until the end

First of all, what is "Yubeshi"?

As many of you may have noticed, "Yubeshi" is not a snack that is only produced in Fukushima Prefecture. Sweets called "Yubeshi" are found throughout the Tohoku region and throughout Japan

However, yubeshi from different regions are similar but not the same. Yubeshi made in Ishikawa and Okayama prefectures is made by stuffing mochi dough into hollowed-out yuzu citrus fruit. Yubeshi made in Kyoto and Niigata prefectures is a soft mochi confectionery with plenty of yuzu kneaded into it. In the Tohoku prefectures, sesame seeds and walnuts are kneaded into the dough. There is such a wide variety that it can be confusing to call them all by the same name

in kanji柚餅子. It refers to a rice cake confection made with yuzu citrus fruit, and its roots lie in the Muromachi period as a preserved food. As it spread throughout Japan, it likely evolved to use ingredients readily available in each region and preparation methods suited to the local climate.

It is thought that yubeshi made with walnuts and sesame seeds instead of yuzu became popular in the Tohoku region, where yuzu cultivation was limited. However, Tohoku has always had a culture of actively eating mochi. It may be that the unique mochi dishes that existed in each region mixed with the yubeshi-making methods that spread from the south and west that led to the creation of original yubeshi with strong regional flavors in each region of Tohoku

For example, yubeshi made for ceremonial occasions in the Tazawa region of Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, looks like a roll cake, and when cut into pieces, you can see the beautiful pattern created by two types of dough wrapped in a spiral.Yubeshi from the Kesen region of Iwate Prefecture is characterized by being generously kneaded with condiments such as cinnamon, and looks like kamaboko

made with walnuts,Kurumi Yubeshi,is very popular. The combination of the chewy dough and the crunchy texture of the walnuts creates a delightful harmony. Some confectioneries also produce variations with sesame seeds or red bean paste fillings. The fact that this traditional product is still available in stores today speaks to its timeless appeal. Perhaps the comforting, nostalgic feeling we get from seeing yubeshi stems from a deep-seated love for chewy textures ingrained in our DNA.

How to make Yubeshi

Yubeshi can also be made at home. It's easier to use a microwave instead of a steamer. Below is a simple recipe for walnut yubeshi

<Materials>

  • Walnuts: 50g
  • Shiratamako: 100g
  • Brown sugar: 60g
  • Soy sauce: 2 teaspoons
  • Lukewarm water: 150cc
  • Potato starch: appropriate amount

<How to make>

  1. Roughly chop the walnuts with a knife and dry roast them in a frying pan over low to medium heat
  2. Put the shiratamako flour and brown sugar into a bowl, add the lukewarm water little by little, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add the soy sauce and mix well until evenly distributed
  3. Microwave the bowl at 600W without covering it with plastic wrap for about 5 minutes, then mix well with a damp rubber spatula. Add the walnuts and mix thoroughly again
  4. Spread the dough on a baking tray covered with potato starch and sprinkle powdered sugar on the surface

If you make yubeshi at home, you can eat it whenever you want, as much as you want! Please give it a try!

A collection of unique Yubeshi from local manufacturers!

There are many yubeshi manufacturers and confectionery shops in Fukushima Prefecture. Among them, I have arbitrarily selected three recommended yubeshi

Kannoya "Family tradition Yubeshi"

Kannoya's "Kaden Yubeshi" is striking in appearance. It's made by wrapping red bean paste in thinly rolled yubeshi dough and pinching the three sides. This unique shape is said to be modeled after a crane with its wings spread.

The skin of yubeshi is soft and chewy, reminiscent of dumplings. The part where the skins meet is particularly thick and has a plump texture. The bean paste melts easily in your mouth, and its refined sweetness melts smoothly. The soft aroma of soy sauce and the scattered poppy seeds add a nice accent. Each piece is substantial, yet has a refreshing taste, making it a famous confection that will have you coming back for more

Kannoya "Family Tradition Yubeshi" <Information>

Kashiwaya "Kurumi Yubeshi Mochizuri"

This is a square-shaped walnut yubeshi. The dough, made with plenty of rice, is rich and sticky, and melts smoothly in your mouth. The soy sauce flavor is prominent, but the sweetness is not too strong, giving it a refreshing taste. The fragrant aroma of the finely crushed walnuts fills your mouth, creating a rich flavor. Even those who don't like sweet things will find this a sweet treat easy to eat

The packaging is painted in a tasteful style, depicting a lush rural landscape. The adorable squirrel is particularly striking

Kashiwaya "Kurumi Yubeshi Mochizuri" ＜Information＞

Sanmankoku "Walnut Yuzu Mochi"

Sanmankoku's walnut yuzu mochi are each small in size. Shaped like a rectangular stick, they are carefully wrapped in wrapping paper that resembles a furoshiki cloth. They are sprinkled with glittering powdered sugar, like face powder, giving them a fancy appearance. If you eat them while they are wrapped in the wrapping paper, your hands won't get dirty. The dough is dark in color, but the flavor is mild. However, the walnuts kneaded into the mochi are large, so you're sure to find a walnut in every bite. This results in a satisfying texture and a fragrant walnut flavor that will satisfy both your mouth and your heart. This is a delicacy that we especially recommend for nut lovers

Sanmankoku "Walnut Yuzu Mochi" ＜Information＞

Find your favorite "Yubeshi"!

This time we take a closer look at "Yubeshi," a very popular souvenir snack from Fukushima

Yubeshi, as the kanji for "yuzu mochiko" (柚餅子) suggests, was originally a rice cake confection made with yuzu. As it spread to various regions, it blended with the local climate and food culture, giving birth to yubeshi with a rich regional flavor. The love for yubeshi continues to be passed down through the generations among the people of Fukushima, and delicious products are still sold by various manufacturers and confectionery shops today. Be sure to try different varieties and find your favorite "My Best of Yubeshi."

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