Chewy? Crunchy? What is the Japanese sweet "Unpei"? A traditional taste rooted in the region [Aomori and Akita]

In supermarkets and Japanese confectionery shops in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture and Akita Prefecture, sweets called " Unpei " are lined up around the New Year holidays, before Obon, and during the equinox. With bright pink and fluorescent green colors and a unique chewy and crunchy texture, they have an appearance and taste that you'll never forget once you've seen them. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Unpei, including its characteristics, origins, occasions when it's eaten, and regional variations.

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What is "Unpei"? Introducing its characteristics and the origin of its name

Traditional sweets from Akita and Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture

Unpei is a traditional Japanese sweet popular in Akita and the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Its main ingredient is glutinous rice called "kanbaiko," which is steamed, pounded, baked to prevent browning, and then ground into a powder. Sugar and water are added to this, kneaded, shaped, and then dried without heating to complete the sweet.

This method, which does not involve baking or steaming, allows the unpei to slowly harden through natural drying, resulting in the unique texture of unpei. Rather than being packed into a mold, it is made in a variety of ways depending on the home or store, such as by rolling or rolling it on a rolling mat, or by rolling it thinly and cutting it into shapes. It may look similar to "suama", but unlike suama's fluffy and chewy texture, it has a dense, firm texture

Origin of the name

about the origin of the name " Unpei it has an indeterminate shape like a cloud . In fact, in addition to the spiral shape, there are a variety of other shapes, including gorgeous ones shaped like sea bream or flowers, and there is no set shape.

It is commonly written as "Unpei" or "Unpei." It is sometimes used at Buddhist ceremonies and celebrations, and has taken root in the region as an auspicious sweet

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Unpei is an essential item on special occasions in Akita and Tsugaru!

Great for New Year's, memorial services, weddings, etc

Unpei is not an everyday snack, but rather a "special occasion Japanese sweet ." It is popular as a New Year's gift, and is also often used as an offering at Buddhist memorial services during Obon and the equinox. In the Tsugaru region, it was once distributed as a wedding gift, and was a prestigious treat that appeared at celebratory occasions.

The red and white wrapping and gorgeous patterns on the sweets give the impression that they are special sweets. After offering them at the Buddhist altar, the family savors them little by little with tea. This scene continues to be cherished in homes in Akita and Tsugaru even today

It has become established as a "special occasion sweet" rather than an everyday treat

Even today, Unpei is mainly sold in supermarkets and Japanese confectionery stores around the New Year holidays and before Obon, in time for special occasions. There are few stores that sell it year-round, making it truly a "special occasion confection." I tried to find it again this time, but most supermarkets didn't carry it... It seems that even though it's sold in great numbers during New Year's, Obon, and equinoxes, it's not sold in this much just because the seasons are different

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The taste and texture are addictive! The appeal of Unpei

A chewy and crunchy texture that melts in your mouth

The most distinctive feature of Unpei is its texture. Because it is made with kanbai powder derived from glutinous rice, it has a slightly chewy texture at first bite, but the granular texture of sugar remains, giving it a unique gritty texture

It's dense, not as fluffy as Suama, but rather feels firm and not easily crumbles. However, it still has a light texture that crumbles easily in your mouth. The texture is lighter than mochi but heavier than Suama

Modestly sweet and simple taste

Contrary to its flashy appearance, the taste is very simple. It has a modest sweetness and a light, elegant impression. Despite its flashy appearance, the taste is calm and goes perfectly with green tea or roasted green tea

It has a simple, nostalgic taste that is completely different from the rich sweets of today. One bite and you'll feel a strange sense of relief. It's full of charm

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Are there clear differences between Tsugaru and Akita? What are the regional differences?

Aomori is fluorescent and Akita is subdued?

The colors used for Unpei vary greatly depending on the region. In Akita, muted tones such as green, gray, and black tend to be used. On the other hand, in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, they are characterized by vibrant, eye-catching colors such as shocking pink and fluorescent green

This flashiness is also present in the food culture of the entire Tsugaru region, and may be related to the idea that "auspicious colors = flashy colors," as seen in the bright pink color of red rice and the bright red color of inari sushi served with pickled ginger

Various appearances are attractive

The shapes of Unpei also vary greatly depending on the home or store. While spiral patterns are the most common, there are also shapes that resemble sea bream or flowers, stick-shaped ones rolled up on a rolling mat, and ones with patterns in the center. The high degree of freedom is one of the charms of Unpei

What's interesting is that the individuality of the maker is revealed in the process, as they don't just stuff it into a mold, but instead shape it by hand, roll it up to create a shape, or cut it into decorative shapes

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summary

Unpei is a traditional sweet that was born in the climate of Aomori and Akita and has been passed down along with seasonal events and family memories. It has a unique recipe using winter plum powder, a strangely crunchy texture, and a modest sweetness that belies its appearance. Furthermore, with its color and shape reflecting the region, Unpei can truly be described as a Japanese sweet steeped in culture

If you have the opportunity to visit Akita or Tsugaru, be sure to pick up some Unpei from the stores. You'll be surprised by its flashy appearance, but you'll also be soothed by its gentle sweetness and mysterious melt-in-your-mouth texture

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