Uirō facts for kids
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| Type | Cake |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Main ingredients | Rice flour, sugar |
Uirō (外郎, 外良, ういろう), also called uirō-mochi, is a yummy traditional Japanese steamed cake. It's made from a special type of rice flour (called glutinous rice flour) and sugar.
This cake is super chewy, a bit like mochi, and has a gentle sweet taste. You can find uirō in many different flavors. Some popular ones include azuki bean paste, green tea (which is called matcha), yuzu (a citrus fruit), strawberry, and chestnut.
Contents
What is Uirō?
Uirō is a type of wagashi, which means traditional Japanese sweets. It's made by mixing glutinous rice flour with sugar and water, then steaming the mixture until it becomes a soft, chewy cake. The texture is one of its most famous features, making it a fun treat to eat.
Where to Find Uirō
While you can find uirō all over Japan, some places are especially famous for it.
Nagoya's Famous Uirō
The city of Nagoya is very well-known for its delicious uirō. Many people who visit Nagoya make sure to try this local specialty.
Regional Varieties
Other regions in Japan also have their own versions of uirō. For example, you can find unique uirō in Yamaguchi and Odawara. It's interesting to know that the uirō from Odawara is actually more famous as a medicine than a sweet!
You can buy uirō in traditional Japanese confectionery shops across Japan. They are often sold in colorful packages, perfect for a snack or a gift.
A Sweet History
The name Uirō actually started out differently. Long ago, during the Muromachi period (from 1336 to 1573), Uirō was the name of a type of medicine.
It wasn't until much later that uirō became known as a sweet treat. The first time uirō was mentioned as a confection was in a big dictionary from the Edo period. This dictionary, called the Wa-Kan Sansai Zue, was published in 1712.
See also
In Spanish: Uirō para niños
