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

One of the most famous sweets from Fukushima Prefecture is Kashiwaya's thin-skinned manju.

The thin skin that generously envelops the refreshingly sweet red bean paste embodies the same passion and refined techniques that have existed since the company's founding.

In this article, we will tell you about the charms of Usuki Manju and Kashiwaya. When you eat thin skinned manju, I hope you can remember the story and enjoy eating it even more.

What is Kashiwaya Usuki Manju from Fukushima Prefecture?

Kashiwaya's thin skinned manju will be mentioned .

A plump tea bun filled with elegantly sweet red bean paste. The skin is thin and smooth, keeping the red bean paste soft.

Kashiwaya's thin-skinned manju is said to be one of the three generations of manju in Japan. Its deliciousness has spread all over the country, and in addition to online shops, we have stores in Tokyo, Tochigi Prefecture, and Miyagi Prefecture.

What is Kashiwaya that sells thin skin manju?

Kashiwaya operates from its main store in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture.

©Kashiwaya Co., Ltd. Usuki Manju
© Kashiwaya Co., Ltd.

It has a long history and was invented in 1852. The thin skin of the manju, which was rare in the Tohoku region at the time and filled with strained bean paste, became a hot topic among travelers traveling along the Oshu Highway, and its name spread.

The current president is the fifth generation, but the commitment to deliciousness that has been passed down from the first generation is still alive and well. The deliciousness is always maintained using carefully selected red beans and the skills of Usuki craftsmen who have inherited the techniques from the time of the company's founding.

Kashiwaya also carries out various initiatives in the local community with the aim of becoming a trusted company. One of these is the morning tea ceremony, which has been going on since 1970. Once a month, we hold a meeting where we enjoy chatting while eating handmade thin-skinned buns and seasonal sweets. Participation is free, and a cheerful greeting is required to participate. At the morning tea party, everyone from children to the elderly gathers, and we value the smiles created by delicious sweets.

Product variations of thin skinned manju

There are the following variations of Kashiwaya Usuki Manju.

  • Kashiwaya Usuki Manju Koshian
  • Kashiwaya thin skin bun Tsubuan
  • Kashiwaya Usuki Manju Uji Matcha
  • Small Kashiwaya Usuki Manju mini
  • Kashiwaya Usuki Manju, handmade by Usuki artisans

I will explain each one one by one.

The classic koshian has been a representative product of Kashiwaya since its founding. It is characterized by its smoothness that melts in your mouth, and its elegant and smooth sweetness.

Tsubuan was born in 1986 based on a customer's request. Taking advantage of the natural flavor of azuki beans, it is cooked fluffy with a moderate amount of sweetness.

Uji Matcha was launched in 2020 and has a fresh green color that looks refreshing. The bean paste is made by kneading Uji matcha into white bean paste that melts in your mouth, allowing you to enjoy its aromatic flavor.

The small Kashiwaya Usuki Manju mini series includes strained bean paste, tsubuan, and Uji matcha. The folded box filled with bite-sized thin-skinned manju is the perfect size for a small thank-you gift. It's so delicious that you can't help but get your hands on it.

Kashiwaya Usuki Manju, handmade by Usuki craftsmen, is perfect as a special gift. Each bun is lovingly wrapped by Usuki craftsmen who have inherited the techniques from the time of the company's founding, and a paper with the name of the craftsman who created it is attached to it. Why not try a dish made with sincerity and skill?

Recommended way to eat thin-skinned manju

Introducing a delicious way to eat Kashiwaya Usuki Manju.

This thin-skinned manju wrapped in plenty of elegantly sweet red bean paste is a tea dish that everyone will love. In addition to green tea or coffee, we also recommend eating it with milk. The gentle sweetness melts into the milk in your mouth.

Fukushima Prefecture also has a soul food called manju tempura. Manju (manju) is used as an ingredient in tempura, then battered and deep-fried, which may surprise those who see it for the first time. But this is surprisingly delicious. The crispy batter of the tempura and the red bean paste, which has been heated to bring out its sweetness, are the perfect accompaniment. The tempura made with thin-skinned manju filled with red bean paste is exceptional. Please try it if you have a chance.

summary

This time I introduced Kashiwaya's thin skin manju.

Kashiwaya continues to pursue the same deliciousness that has remained unchanged since its founding, as well as new deliciousness. The driving force behind this is the passion inherited from the first owner, who wanted to bring smiles to the faces of those who eat.

can be purchased not only in stores, but the Kashiwaya online shop Why not try it and feel the story that Kashiwaya has created?

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