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

Zunda mochi is made in the southern Tohoku region, particularly Miyagi Prefecture . Its deliciousness has made it famous nationwide. But do you know what the "zunda" in "zunda mochi" means? It sounds like something from the Tohoku dialect, but I'd like to introduce you to the origin of the word "zunda" and its deliciousness.

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What is "Zunda Mochi"?

Zunda mochi is made by mashing edamame soybeans and sprinkling it on top of shiratama mochi or mochi . The edamame-colored color 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, the "zunda" in Zunda Mochi "zuda, ." It is said that the name "Zunda Mochi" came from the sound of crushing the 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 beans used in the "Zunda An" are "Aobata beans" that are harvested in the summer, and "Zunda Mochi" is originally a seasonal summer dish in the Tohoku region . It is also famous as an offering during Obon, and in Miyagi, many "Zunda Mochi" are sold from Sendai Tanabata through Obon. It can be said to be a seasonal feature of this season.

Zunda mochi has a sweet image, but salty dressings are also traditional. "Eggplant with zunda dressing" is a traditional local dish of Sendai , so I would like 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."

"Kamidokoro Hikoichi" in Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City; if you want smoothness, "Murakamiya Mochiten" ; and for a richer taste, "Endo Mochiten" . It's a luxurious experience to be able to enjoy both the deliciousness of mochi and zunda.

great place to visit while sightseeing is Gengo Chaya in Sakuragaoka Park, Aoba Ward, which is located next to Sakuraoka Daijingu Shrine, which is said to be the origin of the word "Zunda" and is associated with Date Masamune

Furthermore, JR Sendai Station has created a "Zunda Path" Popular shops include Tamazawa Sohonten and Kikusuian Zunda Chaya

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/

GOOGLE MAP

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