sweets

[Fukushima Prefecture] What is Japan's third generation manju, "usukimanju"? Introducing Kashiwaya's famous sweets that continue to be loved by locals

Kashiwaya's thin-skinned manju is one of Fukushima Prefecture's most famous sweets

The thin skin that encases a generous amount of refreshingly sweet bean paste is imbued with the same passion and refined techniques that have been used since the company's founding

In this article, we will introduce the charms of Usukawa Manju and Kashiwaya. We hope that when you eat Usukawa Manju, you will remember the story and enjoy it even more

What is Kashiwaya Usukawa Manju from Fukushima Prefecture?

When people from outside Fukushima ask, "What is the standard souvenir from Fukushima?", the name that most likely comes up Kashiwaya's thin-skinned manju .

The plump tea bun is filled with a rich, sweet bean paste filling, and the thin, smooth skin keeps the bean paste softly contained within

Kashiwaya's thin-skinned manju is said to be one of the three great manju of Japan. Its deliciousness has spread throughout the country, and in addition to its online shop, it also has stores in Tokyo, Tochigi, and Miyagi prefectures

What is Kashiwaya, the shop selling thin-skinned manju?

Kashiwaya operates from its head office in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture

© Kashiwaya Co., Ltd. Thin-skinned manju
©Kashiwaya Co., Ltd

It has a long history, with the thin-skinned manju first being invented in 1852. The thin-skinned manju, which was rare in the Tohoku region at the time, and filled with plenty of sweet bean paste, became a hot topic among travelers traveling along the Oshu Kaido road, and its name spread

The current president is the fifth generation, but the commitment to deliciousness passed down from the first generation is still alive and well. We always maintain the deliciousness by using carefully selected red beans and the thin skin artisan skills that have been passed down since the company was founded

Kashiwaya also undertakes various initiatives in the local community, aiming to become a trustworthy company. One of these is the Morning Tea Ceremony, which has been held since 1974. Once a month, a gathering is held where people can enjoy chatting while eating homemade thin-skinned buns and seasonal sweets. Participation is free, and all participants must greet cheerfully. At the Morning Tea Ceremony, people of all ages gather, from children to the elderly, and we cherish the connections of smiles that are created over delicious sweets

Thin-skinned manju product variations

Kashiwaya thin-skinned manju comes in the following variations:

  • Kashiwaya Thin-Skinned Manju with Straight Bean Paste
  • Kashiwaya Thin-Skinned Manju with Red Bean Paste
  • Kashiwaya Thin-Skinned Manju Uji Matcha
  • Small Kashiwaya Thin-Skinned Manju Mini
  • Kashiwaya Thin-Skinned Manju, Handmade by Artisans

I will explain each one one by one

The classic smooth bean paste has been Kashiwaya's signature product since the company was founded. It is characterized by its smooth texture that melts in your mouth and its elegant, light sweetness

Tsubuan (red bean paste) was created in response to a customer request in 1986. It is cooked to bring out the natural flavor of red beans and is fluffy and not too sweet

The Uji Matcha flavor was released in 2020 and has a refreshing fresh green color. The bean paste is made by kneading Uji Matcha into a smooth white bean paste, allowing you to enjoy its fragrant flavor

The small Kashiwaya Thin-Skinned Manju mini series includes smooth bean paste, chunky bean paste, and Uji matcha. The box filled with bite-sized thin-skinned manju is the perfect size for a small thank you gift. They're so delicious you'll find yourself reaching for them again and again

Kashiwaya's thin-skinned manju, handmade by artisans, make a perfect gift. Each manju is lovingly wrapped by a thin-skinned artisan who has inherited the techniques from the time the shop was founded, and comes with a wrapping paper bearing the name of the artisan who made it. Why not try this delicacy made with sincerity and skill?

Recommended ways to eat thin-skinned manju

We will introduce you to a delicious way to eat Kashiwaya thin-skinned manju

These thin-skinned manju, filled with a generous amount of sweet bean paste, are a popular teatime snack. They are also recommended with green tea, coffee, or milk. The gentle sweetness blends smoothly with the milk in your mouth

Fukushima Prefecture also has a soul food called manju tempura. Manju is used as the tempura ingredient, coated in batter and deep-fried, which can be surprising for first-timers. However, it is surprisingly delicious. The crispy batter and the sweet red bean paste, which has been heated to bring out its flavor, create a perfect balance. Tempura made with thin-skinned manju filled with plenty of red bean paste is exceptional. If you have the chance, please give it a try

summary

This time we introduced Kashiwaya's thin-skinned manju

Kashiwaya has always pursued new and delicious flavors while maintaining the same deliciousness since the restaurant first opened. The driving force behind this is the passion inherited from the first owner to bring a smile to the faces of customers who eat at the restaurant

can be purchased not only at the store but the Kashiwaya online shop

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