Warabimochi

Warabimochi (蕨餅, warabi-mochi) is a wagashi (Japanese confection) made from warabiko (bracken starch) and covered or dipped in kinako (sweet toasted soybean flour).[1][2][3] Kuromitsu syrup is sometimes poured on top before serving as an added sweetener.[4]

Warabimochi
Darker 100% bracken warabimochi (left) and lighter mixed warabimochi (right)
TypeWagashi
Coursesnack/dessert
Place of originJapan
Main ingredientsBracken starch, kinako
Variationssesame

Overview

Warabimochi is a traditional Japanese dessert that is believed that its ancient origins dating back to the Heian period (794-1185) in Japan, and it was a popular delicacy among the aristocracy. It was one of the favorite treats of Emperor Daigo.[3] Hayashi Razan's "Heishin kikō (Travelogue of 1616) [...], which is considered to be the first travel diary to mention food on the road," highlighted Warabimochi as did other Tōkaidō travel guides in the 1600s.[5] The dessert became more widespread during the Edo period (1603-1868) when it was served in tea houses as part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.[6][7] It is now popular in the summertime, especially in the Kansai region and Okinawa, and it is often sold from trucks, similar to an ice cream truck in Western countries.[3]

Warabimochi differs from true mochi made from glutinous rice.[2] Mochi, refers to sticky food generally made with glutinous rice or waxy starch, is categorized into Tsuki-mochi and Kone-mochi. Tsuki-mochi is a rice cake made by pounding steamed glutinous rice. Although Warabimochi is not made made from glutinous rice or other waxy starches, it is called "mochi" for its sticky texture.[8]

Warabimochi is also frequently made with katakuriko (potato starch) instead of bracken starch due to cost and availability.[9][10] In 2021, Warabi starch sold for JPY 12,000–15,000 (USD 116–145)/kg, and it was 30–35 times more expensive than sweet potato or tapioca starch and 20–24 times more expensive than sago starch.[8]

  • Kurumi mochi with walnuts
    Kurumi mochi with walnuts
  • Warabimochi as sold in a supermarket
    Warabimochi as sold in a supermarket

References
  1. "Summer's Here, Time to Enjoy Warabi Mochi!". favy. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  2. Chen, Namiko (October 12, 2016). "Warabi Mochi わらび餅". Just One Cookbook. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  3. "Warabimochi | Traditional Dessert From Kansai Region | TasteAtlas". www.tasteatlas.com. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  4. Tomo (2018-05-14). "Warabi Mochi: Mochi-Like Traditional Japanese Bracken Cake". Recommendation of Unique Japanese Products and Culture. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  5. Cwiertka, Katarzyna J.; Miho, Yasuhara (2020). Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 66–67. ISBN 9780824882662.
  6. Schroeder, Tanner. "Warabi Mochi: The Perfect Japanese Summer Treat." Sakuraco, 6 2021, sakura.co/blog/warabi-mochi-the-perfect-japanese-summer-treat/.
  7. Zojirushi America Corporation. "Toro Toro! Discover the Sweet and Refreshing World of Warabi Mochi." Zojirushi Blog, 9 May 2023, www.zojirushi.com/blog/toro-toro-discover-the-sweet-and-refreshing-world-of-warabi-mochi/.
  8. Hirao, Kazuko, et al. "Starch gel foods in cookery science: application of native starch and modified starches." Journal of Biorheology 35.1 (2021): 29-41. APA
  9. Yamashita, Masataka (2015). Wagashi: Little Bites of Japanese Delights. Singapore. p. 107. ISBN 978-981-4561-95-2. OCLC 903974479.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. Sago Palm: Multiple Contributions to Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods. Hiroshi Ehara, Yukio Toyoda, Dennis Victor Johnson. Singapore. 2018. p. 293. ISBN 978-981-10-5269-9. OCLC 1020285591.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)
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