Higashi (food) facts for kids
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| Type | Wagashi |
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| Place of origin | Japan |
| Main ingredients | Usually rice flour |
| Variations | Goshikiitō (bainiku, hakka, nikkei, shōga, yuzu), hakusansekkei, hanakazura, mugirakushizuka, nininsuzuka, rakugan, Shigure no Matsu, suiko |
Higashi (干菓子・乾菓子, lit. dry confectionery) are a special type of Japanese sweet called wagashi. What makes them unique is that they have very little moisture. This means they can be stored for a longer time compared to other wagashi sweets. Think of them like a dry cookie or biscuit!
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What are Higashi?
Higashi are different from namagashi, which are fresh, moist Japanese sweets. Higashi are a group of wagashi that are always dry. This group includes many different kinds of treats.
Some common examples are:
- rakugan: A type of sweet made from rice flour and sugar, often pressed into pretty shapes.
- konpeitō: These are tiny, colorful hard candies shaped like stars.
- senbei and arare: These are types of rice crackers. While some crackers can be savory, the ones considered higashi are sweet.
Sweet higashi are quite similar to the cookies or biscuits you might find in Western countries.
What are Higashi Made Of?
More specifically, higashi are often made from one or more types of sugar mixed with a special kind of flour. Sometimes, other ingredients are added too. Some higashi are even made only from sugar, without any flour at all!
The most common flour used in higashi comes from rice. There are many different kinds of rice, so there are many different rice flours. Flours made from other ingredients are also used. These can include azuki beans, soybeans, green peas, and different kinds of starches.
The very best higashi are often made with wasanbon. This is a special, fine-grained Japanese sugar made in a traditional way. The most well-known type of higashi is rakugan.
Higashi and Tea Ceremonies
Higashi are often served during Japanese tea ceremonies. Their delicate flavors and beautiful shapes make them a perfect match for the special tea.
Popular Types of Higashi
Here are some well-known types of higashi:
- Goshikiitō (五色糖): This means "five-colored sugar." These sweets come in five different flavors:
- bainiku: Tastes like pickled plum.
- hakka: Has a Japanese mint flavor.
- nikkei: Tastes like cinnamon.
- shōga: Has a ginger flavor.
- yuzu: Tastes like a citrus fruit similar to a lemon.
Each flavor often has its own unique shape.
- Hakusansekkei (白山雪渓)
- Hanakazura (花かずら)
- Mugirakushizuka (麦らく静)
- Nininsuzuka (二人静)
- Rakugan (落雁): This is a very common type of higashi, often pressed into beautiful designs.
- Shigure no matsu (時雨の松)
- Suiko (推古): These are available in two colors: aka (pinkish red) and shiro (white).
