sweets

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

If you go to a station building or local product corner in Fukushima Prefecture, you'll find an array of delicious-looking sweets. This time, we'll be focusing on " Yubeshi " one of the most popular local sweets.

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

Yubeshi is written in kanji as " yuzu mochiko ." In other words, it refers to a rice cake confection made with yuzu, and its roots lie in a preserved food from the Muromachi period. As it spread throughout the country, it seems likely that the recipe changed to suit the ingredients that were readily available in each region and the 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

In Fukushima Prefecture, walnut-filled " Kurumi Yubeshi " is popular. It is a delicious treat that allows you to enjoy the harmony of the chewy dough and the crunchy texture of the walnuts. Some confectionery shops also produce variations with sesame or bean paste fillings. This traditional product is still available on store shelves in modern times, proving that it has a timeless flavor that is loved. The feeling of comfort and nostalgia that comes from seeing yubeshi may be due to the love of chewy treats being built into 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"

about Kanoya's " Ideal Yubeshi " is its appearance. The bean paste is wrapped in thinly rolled yubeshi dough and pinched on three sides. This unique shape is said to resemble 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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