Contents
- Introduction
- Hanami: A Beautiful Yearly Celebration of Cherry Blossoms
- The Pleasantly Surprising Taste of Cherry Blossoms
- Preserving Spring's Beauty By Pickling Cherry Blossoms
- Cherry Blossom Tea: A Springtime Specialty with Health Perks
- Sakura Mochi: A Blossom-Infused Treat That Melts in Your Mouth
- Cherry Blossom Ice Cream: Savoring Spring in Every Scoop
- Sakura Cookies: A Full Visual and Flavorful Feast
- Can Cherry Blossoms Poison You? Know What's Safe to Eat
- Cherry Blossoms For Foodies On ZenPlus
- About The Writer
Introduction
When we think of Japan, the image of breathtaking sakura trees instantly comes to mind. This is because the Japanese take great pride in their cherry blossoms, which are often seen as a symbol of life's fleeting beauty that captivate not only locals every year but also countless admiring tourists from all around the world. Now, one pleasantly surprising fact about those vibrant pink blossoms is that they're edible. Not only that, but they taste just as exquisite as they look!
Interested? Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating Japanese cherry blossoms, how it's enjoyed in Japan, and how you can become a part of the Japanese sakura-eating culture without ever leaving the comfort of your home!
Hanami: A Beautiful Yearly Celebration of Cherry Blossoms
The Japanese adore cherry trees to the extent that they don’t just eagerly await the short-lived Hanami (flower viewing, 花見) each year (starting in late March and ending in April), but they make sure not to let those gorgeous pink blossoms go to waste, incorporating them into numerous mouthwatering recipes that will surely captivate your visual senses before pleasing your palate!
The term sakura (桜) specifically refers to cherry blossoms and the brief season in which they bloom, deriving from the Japanese word saku (咲), which means to blossom. The Hanami season, though brief, holds a special place in the Japanese hearts as it’s rooted in the ancient tradition of gazing upon gorgeous cherry blossoms, and beautifully captures the essence of life's fleeting nature.
- Know the Difference: Cherry blossoms and cherry fruits shouldn't be confused. While both the cherry blossom and the cherry fruit are delicious in their own right, the Japanese truly excel at turning cherry blossoms into irresistible vibrant treats!
The Pleasantly Surprising Taste of Cherry Blossoms
The million-dollar question: How do cherry blossoms actually taste in your mouth? Do they live up to their delicious appearance? Yes! Cherry blossoms boast a sweet and fruity rose taste, much like regular cherry fruits but more subtle, and occasionally with a hint of bitterness. This makes it a fantastic, colorful addition to many Japanese sweets and even beverages, making the hanami season even more enjoyable!
Preserving Spring's Beauty By Pickling Cherry Blossoms
When it comes to enjoying cherry blossoms as a culinary treat, the first step is usually the pickling process. The Japanese preserve these beauties during spring with a blend of salt and plum vinegar, and after drying, they add a burst of color and a touch of unique flavor to various recipes.
Now, it's not very often to come across stunning pickled cherry blossoms outside Japan, but the good news is that it's incredibly easy to order them (through this link) directly from their source of origin. You can have these delightful treats delivered straight to your doorsteps through the extensive e-commerce platform, ZenPlus - a hub that connects you with over 3,000 Japanese online retail shops, offering a listing of over 5 million rare Japanese products to ensure you easily receive the real deal!
Cherry Blossom Tea: A Springtime Specialty with Health Perks
If the Japanese have a specialty, it's probably tea-making, offering a wide array of tea varieties to enjoy on any occasion. You've likely guessed their tea preference during the spring blossom season – absolutely, it's cherry blossom tea! Sakura tea gives you plenty of reasons to enjoy it, ranging from abundant antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, low-calorie content, and overall well-being promotion. Count the benefits and get some for yourself at the link above!
Sakura Mochi: A Blossom-Infused Treat That Melts in Your Mouth
Mochi is a popular Wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery. 和菓子) that is essentially a Japanese rice cake made from mochigome, a special kind of short-grain, sticky rice. This Japanese dessert is pleasantly versatile, as you can infuse it with a range of delightful flavors and fillings.
Sakura mochi is a unique type of mochi that stands out among other varieties, not just for its taste but for the entire experience it offers since it’s commonly enjoyed during the spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. These soft, chewy, pink wonders are filled with sweet red bean paste, all lovingly wrapped up in an aesthetically pleasing cherry blossom leaf that stirs your appetite with just a glance!
Cherry Blossom Ice Cream: Savoring Spring in Every Scoop
There's nothing quite like savoring a sweet, ice-cold scoop of ice cream, no matter the time of year (let's be honest!). However, indulging in pink cherry blossom ice cream during hanami season undoubtedly adds a double layer of pleasure to the experience!
Sakura Cookies: A Full Visual and Flavorful Feast
For cookie enthusiasts and lovers of visually pleasing desserts, you'll absolutely adore the incredibly cute and famous cherry blossom cookies in all their forms. Whether you prefer them chewy or crisp, ooey-gooey on the inside or plain, or even chocolate-covered, this beloved pink treat is simply irresistible!
Can Cherry Blossoms Poison You? Know What's Safe to Eat
It might be tempting, but before you get all thrilled about tasting these cute pink beauties, it's crucial to remember that not all cherry blossoms are safe to eat – some types can be poisonous and are meant for munching! Also, don't forget to only eat cherry blossoms that haven't been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals, as these can be unsafe for human consumption.
Last but certainly not least, don't miss the chance to give your kitchen a lovely Japanese touch by getting some genuine Cherry Blossom Powder (No worries, this powder is perfectly safe to consume!). It magically blends and dissolves into anything you add to, whether it's cake batters, cheesecake icing, cold ice cream, or even refreshing pink smoothies. Even better, you can sprinkle it on your sweets and other treats as a delightful finishing touch, leaving everyone curious about that delicious pink garnish!
Cherry Blossoms For Foodies On ZenPlus
Salted cherry blossoms 100% made in Japan Made using double cherry blossoms with a deep color and strong aroma.
Yamasan Sakura Powder. This cherry blossom powder is for confectionery and cooking.
Nestlé Starbucks Premium Mix Sakura Strawberry Latte
Shinshu Nature Kingdom Sakura Jam 130g
Check out more food items and ingredients with cherry blossom on ZenPlus.
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
