[Miyagi Prefecture] What is the "Zunda" in Zunda Mochi? Learn about its origin and deliciousness!

made in the southern Tohoku region, particularly Miyagi Prefecture,Zunda mochi, a type of rice cakehas become famous nationwide for its delicious taste. But do you know what "zunda" in "zunda mochi" means? It has a distinctive Tohoku dialect sound, but let's explore the origin of the word "zunda" and learn more about its deliciousness.

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What is "Zunda Mochi"?

Zunda mochi is made by grinding edamame beans and coating mochi or rice cakes with it. The edamame-colored paste gives it a unique color and flavor.

In addition to edamame, there are also zunda mochi made using peas and kidney beans, and the different flavors of zunda mochi depending on the type of bean are also fun to enjoy

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What is the origin of the word "Zunda" in "Zunda Mochi"?

Now, regarding the "zunda" in zunda mochi,"zuda," which means "beans." It is said that the name "zunda mochi" came about because people focused on the sound of crushing beans.

Zunda paste is made by placing edamame beans in a mortar and pestle, then pounding or crushing them, giving it a natural, delicious flavor that retains the edamame's graininess

The edamame used in "zunda bean paste" is the "aobata bean," which is harvested in the summer, and "zunda mochi" is traditionallya summer seasonal dish in the Tohoku region. It is also famous as an offering during the Obon festival in some areas, and in Miyagi Prefecture, a lot of "zunda mochi" is sold from the Sendai Tanabata festival until Obon. It can be said to be a seasonal tradition.

While zunda mochi is generally associated with a sweet taste, savory dishes using it are also traditional."Eggplant with zunda dressing" is a traditional local dish in Sendai, and I'd love to try it.

On the other hand, there is another theory about the origin of the word "zunda."

One theory is that when Date Masamune went into battle, he crushed edamame beans with his "jindachi" (battle sword) and ate them. This "jindachi" is called "jindazu" or "zundatsu" in the Tohoku dialect, and one theory is that this is how the words "jinda" and "zunda" came to be

There are other theories, but it can be said that the act of pounding and crushing the beans is what drew attention to this dish

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"Zunda Mochi" is a local dish that takes time and effort to make and a sweet that Miyagi is proud of

Miyagi Prefecture has always had many opportunities to eat mochi in a variety of dishes throughout the year, including "fusube mochi" made with loach, "walnut mochi" made with walnuts, as well as "sesame mochi" and "natto mochi."

Zunda mochi is a local dish that is made by the whole family, including children, in Miyagi Prefecture. It is a difficult task to remove the edamame beans from the pods and then mash them

The beans are boiled, peeled, mashed, and mixed with sugar to make a paste, which is then mixed with freshly pounded mochi rice cakes. The more elaborate the process, the more delicious it becomes

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"Zunda Path" has also appeared at Sendai Station! How about buying some Zunda mochi as a souvenir?

In areas where "Zunda" is eaten as a local dish, there are many rice cake shops and Japanese confectionery shops that specialize in "Zunda."

in Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City."Kanmi-dokoro Hikoichi", head to"Murakamiya Mochi-ten"in Miyacho, Aoba-ku, which has been in business for over 70 years"Endo Mochi-ten". You can enjoy the deliciousness of both the mochi and the zunda, making it a truly luxurious experience.

located in Sakuragaoka Park in Aoba Ward, next to Sakuragaoka Grand Shrine which is associated with Date Masamune and is said to be the origin of the word "zunda,"Gengo Chaya,is a good place to visit while sightseeing.

Furthermore, JR Sendai Stationa "Zunda Alley"where specialty shops selling zunda (sweetened edamame paste) are gathered."Tamazawa Sohonten" and "Kikusui-an Zunda Chaya."Popular shops include

Zunda mochi from Zunda Saryo, which has now become popular nationwide, is also sold at Zunda Koji in Sendai Station. If you walk along Zunda Koji, you'll want to buy some Zunda mochi as a souvenir, as recommended by Miyagi residents

Zunda Tea House <Information>

• Name: Zunda Saryo Sendai Station Zunda Path Store
• Address: 3F Sendai Station, 1-1-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 022-715-1081
• URL:https://zundasaryo.com/

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