What until recently was available only in the markets of Asian countries is gradually conquering the whole world. Various sweets from the Land of the Rising Sun attract with exotic combinations of flavors, bright colors and new forms, competing with the usual chocolate bars, cakes and sweets. Recently, delicacies from Japan have found their fans in Russia.
Traditionally, sweets in Japan are filled with special culinary aesthetics. Unlike classic European delicacies, the overwhelming majority of which are products based on chocolate, a large amount of sugar, flour and milk fats, the Japanese focus on naturalness and simplicity when making their desserts.
Typical sweets on the Japanese table are jams, marshmallows and a variety of dishes based on fresh fruits, beans, soy and rice. Sugar is also present in sweets, but it is added in small doses. Also, in the composition of desserts, components of animal origin are completely excluded - butter, milk and cream. An important role is played by the aesthetic appeal of the finished product, its design.
The first cooked sweets in Japan appeared only at the end of the 13th century, when confectionery made from glutinous flour and rice according to the Chinese recipe began to be served in the homes of the nobility.
Where can you taste classic Japanese sweets?
Traditional Japanese sweets are called wagashi and are served in almost any oriental restaurant. Wagashi are important in the tea ceremony, reflecting the hospitality and spiritual values of the Japanese people. According to ancient traditions, the dessert should appeal to all five human senses, filling them with harmony and pleasure.
Classic wagashi are shaped like flowers and fruits and reflect the different seasons. There are four main types of wagashi that every sweet tooth should try. These are sakigake, representing flowers; xiong, reminiscent of sweet fruits; Natsukashimi, depicting flowers of fruit trees; amniju - lumps of jelly with cubes of fresh fruits and berries.
New sweets from Japan
Modern Japanese sweets are a successful combination of classic recipes from the European food industry with local traditions. Chewing gum, crisps, candy, light cakes, cookies, chocolates and bars made in Japan are radically different from anything Western consumers are used to. After all, to this day, factory sweets are prepared with the addition of a variety of fruit purees and jams, soybeans, beans, rice and various types of tea. Japanese manufacturers are not afraid of bold experiments and combine various ingredients that at first glance are incompatible with each other. Particular attention is paid to the safety of products and the preservation of vitamins.
International companies produce special versions of their popular products for Japan. Thus, a well-known producer of carbonated drinks presents two completely unimaginable flavors - fruit yogurt and cucumber.
It is thanks to the exoticism and novelty that Japanese sweets are so fond of in Russia. Today, you can buy a variety of sweet products in specialized online stores.
