Challenging the 'Heavy Summer Sweet' Image: Summer-Limited 'Yuzu Monaka' with Kochi Yuzu Peel and Niigata Kogane Mochi Rice to Launch on May 22
On Friday, May 22, Chiba-based confectionery 'Okashi no Taiyo' will release its summer-limited 'Yuzu Monaka.' Developed to dispel the image of monaka being too heavy for summer, the product combines a special bean paste made with 100% yuzu peel from Japan's top producer, Kochi Prefecture, with a wafer shell made from 'Kogane Mochi' rice from Niigata, known as the 'king of glutinous rice.' It features a refreshing aroma and a unique crisp 'shari' texture from crystallized sugar in the bean paste. The product will be available at all physical stores and the company's online shop.
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Taiyosha Co., Ltd., which operates the Chiba-based confectionery store 'Okashi no Taiyo,' will launch its summer-limited 'Yuzu Monaka' on Friday, May 22, 2020. This product was developed to deliver a pleasant surprise, showing just how delicious monaka can be even in summer. It is a monaka designed for the season, featuring the refreshing aroma of yuzu from Kochi Prefecture and a nostalgic, crisp 'shari' texture from sugar crystallization.
It will be sold at all 'Okashi no Taiyo' physical stores and on their Rakuten online shop.
This 'Yuzu Monaka' is especially recommended for those who feel traditional monaka is too heavy for summer. The wafer shell is made from 'Kogane Mochi,' a premium glutinous rice from Niigata Prefecture known as the 'king of glutinous rice.' Paired with the fragrant and light shell is a special yuzu bean paste made with 100% yuzu peel from Kochi Prefecture, Japan's leading yuzu producer.
Crafted carefully by artisans using traditional methods, the monaka offers a crisp bite, releasing the fragrance of the Kogane Mochi rice. This is immediately followed by the rich, thick bean paste, which is generously filled with flavorful yuzu peel. Each bite releases an incredibly fresh and invigorating aroma. It's not just sour; it has a gentle sweetness and deep fruitiness, reminiscent of ripe yuzu.
A subtle 'shari' crispness from tiny sugar crystals enhances the refreshing quality. Even during hot seasons when appetites may wane, the pleasant yuzu scent and clean aftertaste make it an inviting treat that leaves you wanting more.
Chilling the monaka in the refrigerator is also highly recommended. Cooling allows the shell and paste to meld, creating a different experience from the room-temperature version. The crisp shell becomes moist and soft, while the chilled paste develops a dense, luxurious texture similar to high-quality yokan. Furthermore, the sweetness becomes more subdued, allowing the refreshing yuzu aroma to stand out even more vividly.
The 'Kogane Mochi' rice used for the shell is characterized by its strong stickiness, resilience, and fine texture. Using it for the wafer creates an exceptional shell that acts as a perfect 'vessel,' enhancing rather than overpowering the filling.
The yuzu from Kochi Prefecture, which accounts for over half of Japan's national production, offers a superior aroma and quality. The filling uses real, chopped yuzu peel instead of relying on artificial flavorings or pastes, providing an authentic taste and presence. The custom-made paste is exceptionally thick—described as 'necchari'—a result of meticulously controlling the moisture content to prevent the wafer from becoming soggy.
Every monaka is filled by hand by skilled artisans. They carefully pack an overflowing amount of paste into each delicate wafer, ensuring it doesn't break. The wafers themselves are adorned with three auspicious designs: 'Three Masu for Prosperity,' 'Treasure Ship of Good Fortune,' and 'Hydrangea of Unity,' adding an element of surprise and delight upon opening.
It will be sold at all 'Okashi no Taiyo' physical stores and on their Rakuten online shop.
This 'Yuzu Monaka' is especially recommended for those who feel traditional monaka is too heavy for summer. The wafer shell is made from 'Kogane Mochi,' a premium glutinous rice from Niigata Prefecture known as the 'king of glutinous rice.' Paired with the fragrant and light shell is a special yuzu bean paste made with 100% yuzu peel from Kochi Prefecture, Japan's leading yuzu producer.
Crafted carefully by artisans using traditional methods, the monaka offers a crisp bite, releasing the fragrance of the Kogane Mochi rice. This is immediately followed by the rich, thick bean paste, which is generously filled with flavorful yuzu peel. Each bite releases an incredibly fresh and invigorating aroma. It's not just sour; it has a gentle sweetness and deep fruitiness, reminiscent of ripe yuzu.
A subtle 'shari' crispness from tiny sugar crystals enhances the refreshing quality. Even during hot seasons when appetites may wane, the pleasant yuzu scent and clean aftertaste make it an inviting treat that leaves you wanting more.
Chilling the monaka in the refrigerator is also highly recommended. Cooling allows the shell and paste to meld, creating a different experience from the room-temperature version. The crisp shell becomes moist and soft, while the chilled paste develops a dense, luxurious texture similar to high-quality yokan. Furthermore, the sweetness becomes more subdued, allowing the refreshing yuzu aroma to stand out even more vividly.
The 'Kogane Mochi' rice used for the shell is characterized by its strong stickiness, resilience, and fine texture. Using it for the wafer creates an exceptional shell that acts as a perfect 'vessel,' enhancing rather than overpowering the filling.
The yuzu from Kochi Prefecture, which accounts for over half of Japan's national production, offers a superior aroma and quality. The filling uses real, chopped yuzu peel instead of relying on artificial flavorings or pastes, providing an authentic taste and presence. The custom-made paste is exceptionally thick—described as 'necchari'—a result of meticulously controlling the moisture content to prevent the wafer from becoming soggy.
Every monaka is filled by hand by skilled artisans. They carefully pack an overflowing amount of paste into each delicate wafer, ensuring it doesn't break. The wafers themselves are adorned with three auspicious designs: 'Three Masu for Prosperity,' 'Treasure Ship of Good Fortune,' and 'Hydrangea of Unity,' adding an element of surprise and delight upon opening.