Twice the okara, even more refreshing lemon: Summer limited lemon cake from a local tofu shop

Hidakara Co., Ltd. (Hida City, Gifu Prefecture) has launched its 'Okara Carrot Lemon Cake' for the summer season. The 'Okara Carrot Cake' is a carrot cake made using okara (soy pulp), which would otherwise be discarded during the tofu-making process at the Miyama Tofu Store (Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture), operated by the company. Last year, the 'Okara Carrot Lemon Cake' was introduced with the desire to 'provide an Okara Carrot Cake that can be enjoyed even in summer,' and it was well-received by many customers, selling over 100 units in approximately two months. This year, the product has been revamped to be even more delicious by increasing the amount of okara used while further enhancing the refreshing flavor of lemon. The popular summer-limited flavor from last year is back, even better than before.

1. Okara Carrot Lemon Cake
This is a summer-limited flavor of the 'Okara Carrot Cake,' which uses okara that would have been discarded. The 'Okara Carrot Cake' is a popular product with annual sales of approximately 1,000 units on the online shop. Last year, the 'Okara Carrot Lemon Cake' sold 132 units in about two months, earning high praise from many customers.

2. More lemon and more okara than last year
The 'Okara Carrot Lemon Cake' sold last year was completed by Okubo Seikaho, which handles production, after repeated adjustments to the balance of taste and texture. However, to achieve a satisfactory lemon flavor, the amount of okara had to be kept lower than that of the regular 'Okara Carrot Cake.' This year, Okubo Seikaho reviewed the manufacturing process again, experimenting to ensure that the refreshing taste of lemon could be felt even while increasing the amount of okara. The cake was crafted to highlight the aroma and acidity of the lemon. Furthermore, they successfully doubled the amount of okara compared to last year. Thanks to the ingenuity of the artisans, this is a revamped product with both more lemon sensation and more okara than last year.

3. Enhanced lemon flavor, perfect for hot weather
With a stronger refreshing lemon flavor than last year, the cake is finished with a taste that can be enjoyed light and crisp even in the hot summer. Lemon sugar on the surface and lemon peel added to the frosting allow the aroma and acidity of the lemon to spread with every bite. The addition of coconut adds an accent to the texture, making it a summer-limited treat that can be enjoyed to the last bite without getting bored.

4. Twice the amount of okara as last year. Balancing food loss and deliciousness
Okara, which is generated during tofu production, is often discarded or used as feed because it is not used in tofu making itself. By utilizing okara, which contains nutrients and can be delicious, it leads to the reduction of food loss. This year, the amount of okara used has been doubled compared to last year, evolving into an initiative that wastes even less. Combined with the refreshing lemon, the cake is finished in a way that is easy to eat even during periods when appetites drop in summer, allowing customers to enjoy the gentle flavor and moist texture of okara.

■ Product: Okara Carrot Lemon Cake
■ Selling Price: 3,980 JPY per loaf (including shipping)
■ Sales Locations: Online shops 'Hidakara Shoten', 'Miyama Tofu Store'
■ Product Page: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/hidakara/okara004/