Page Contents
History of Strawberry in Japan
Types of Strawberry in Japan’s
Amaou – The Juicy and Sweet
Tochiotome – The Flavorful and Tart One
Benihoppe – The Big and Beautiful One
Sweet Strawberry Recipes to Try in Japan
Ichigo Daifuku – Mochi with Strawberry Filling
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- Cornstarch (for dusting)
- 6 fresh strawberries, hulled and washed
- 1/2 cup red bean paste (anko)
- Potato starch (katakuriko) for dusting
Instructions to Make
- In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water until well combined
- Microwave the mixture for 1 minute and stir. Repeat this step for another 30 seconds until the mixture turns into a sticky dough
- Dust a clean work surface with cornstarch and transfer the mochi dough to it
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until smooth
- Divide the dough into 6 portions and flatten each portion with your hands
- Dust each portion with potato starch and shape them into a round disc
- Spoon a teaspoon of red bean paste in the center of each disc and top with a fresh strawberry
- Gently wrap the mochi dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal
- Dust each mochi ball with potato starch to prevent sticking
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve
Ichigo Milk – Japanese Refreshing Strawberry Milkshake
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and washed
- 1 cup milk
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions to Make
- Add the fresh strawberries, milk, vanilla ice cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to a blender
- Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy
- Pour the strawberry milkshake into a glass
- Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, if desired
- Serve and enjoy your refreshing Ichigo Milk!
Note
For a thicker milkshake, add more ice cream. For a thinner milkshake, add more milk.
Strawberry Shortcake – A Classic Western Dessert with a Japanese Twist
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions to Make
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by greasing and flouring them
- Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing basin
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing basin until light and creamy. One at a time beat in the eggs, then whisk in the vanilla essence
- Stir in the flour mixture gradually, alternating with the milk, until the batter is smooth
- Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared pans
- Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean
- Let the cakes completely cool before assembling
- Whip the heavy cream in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Mix in the sugar and vanilla extract
- Put one cake layer on a cake plate and top it with a layer of whipped cream
- Strawberries are layered on top of whipped cream
- Place the second cake layer on top after spreading whipped cream over the cake’s top and sides. Use the remaining sliced strawberries to decorate the cake
- Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving
- Serve your delectable Japanese-style Strawberry Shortcake
The Sweet Health Benefits of Japan’s Ichigo
When it comes to sweet treats, Japan’s Ichigo (strawberry) packs a punch in both taste and health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why. So go ahead and indulge in some sweet and healthy Ichigo – your taste buds and body will thank you!
Ichigo is High in Antioxidants
Ichigo is packed with antioxidants, which help protect against inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Boosts Immunity
The high levels of vitamin C in Ichigo can help boost the immune system and fight off infections.
Improves Heart Health
Ichigo contains flavonoids, which have been shown to lower blood pressure and improve circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Ichigo Supports Digestion
The fiber in Ichigo helps support digestive health and can aid in regulating blood sugar levels.
Ichigo Promotes Healthy Skin
The antioxidants in Ichigo can help protect against UV damage and support collagen production, promoting healthy skin.
May Aid in Weight Loss
Ichigo contains low calories yet high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for dieters.
FAQs – Strawberry in Japanese
Anyone might also eat Japanese strawberries however they like! Some people eat them uncooked, while others make strawberry shortcakes or ichigo daifuku with them.
Yeah, the greatest season to consume Japanese strawberries is in the spring, when they are at their juiciest and most tasty. But you can get them all year!
Conclusion – Strawberry in Japanese
So there you have it: the many different types of Ichigo in Japan. From the sweet and juicy amaou to the sour and flavorful tochiotome to the big and magnificent benihoppe, there’s an Ichigo for everyone.
Therefore, the next time you’re in Japan, familiarise yourself with the Ichigo scene and try them all. It will be appreciated by your friends.
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