Momiji manjū facts for kids
Momiji Manjū
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| Type | Manjū |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Region or state | Itsukushima |
| Created by | A Wagashi craftsman |
| Invented | Late Meiji period |
| Main ingredients | Buckwheat and rice |
| Ingredients generally used | Red bean paste |
Momiji manjū is a super popular sweet treat from Japan. It's a type of manjū, which is a Japanese steamed cake. This special cake is shaped like a beautiful Japanese maple leaf.
It is made from buckwheat and rice flour. Inside, it's usually filled with a sweet red bean paste. You can find this tasty snack on the island of Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, in Hiroshima Prefecture.
What is Momiji Manjū?
Momiji manjū is a small, soft cake. Its unique shape looks just like a maple leaf. The word "momiji" actually means "maple leaf" in Japanese.
The cake part is soft and slightly sweet. The most common filling is a sweet red bean paste. But today, you can find many other fillings too! These include custard, chocolate, and even green tea cream.
Where Does It Come From?
Momiji manjū is a famous local specialty. It is a must-buy souvenir when visiting Itsukushima Island. This island is one of the Three Views of Japan, which are famous scenic spots.
Over time, Momiji manjū became popular all over Hiroshima Prefecture. It is now a well-known miyagegashi, which means a souvenir sweet, across Japan.
Its Sweet History
This delicious sweet was first created a long time ago. A skilled Wagashi craftsman invented it. Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets.
The invention happened in the late Meiji period. This period was from 1868 to 1912. So, Momiji manjū has been enjoyed for over a hundred years!
