Let’s me introduce my little world - Wagashi 🌸
Last year, in my hometown Wedding trip , one of my high school friend gave me a box of present for my Tea Ceremony wedding. It was a beautiful giftbox including 6 pieces of a Japanese Dessert called Nerikiri Wagashi. I was speechless and kept starring at the box wondering “how can I eat this beautiful art? They are too pretty to eat! “. Yes, Nerikiri is very beautiful piece of Japanese dessert, the most refined form among the various types of Japanese Dessert. The term Wagashi was invented after Second World War to distinguish Japanese Sweet from newly introduced Western sweets. Nerikiri is a sweet delicacy with subtly arranged colours and shapes which often reflects the four seasons motifs and nature include flowers, leaves, sceneries, animal and many more creatures. The best thing about Nerikiri is mainly made from white bean paste which plant based protein, vegan friendly, and gluten free. Nerikiri is usually served with a cup of hot tea 🫖 mà it tasty?”. Well, it depends on your definition of tasty 😇. But to me, knowing the value and meaning of every piece of delicate decorations which require extraordinary attention and concentration to create a beautiful edible art definitely will bring the best taste. However, to guarantee the best flavor and appearance of Nerikiri, all the ingredients need to have the highest quality possible. Unlike the mass- produce sweet in the market, this precise selection of superior ingredients and a remarkable amount of time and effort also cause an increase in production prices due to the higher labor cost of handcrafted products. So… I would love to enjoy Nerikiri Wagashi with a cup of hot greentea in the peaceful and chill setting when chit chatting with my family, friends. 😋🥰🤩
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After my first encounter with Nerikiri Wagashi, I couldn't stop thinking about these exquisite Japanese desserts. I mean, how can something be so beautiful that you almost hesitate to eat it? My curiosity led me to dive deeper into 'what is Nerikiri' and its fascinating 'meaning.' I discovered that 'Nerikiri' itself refers to the paste made from white beans, often combined with mochi or glutinous rice flour, which gives it that incredibly smooth, pliable texture perfect for sculpting. What truly captivates me about Nerikiri Wagashi is its incredible artistry, especially the 'flower designs' and 'seasonal designs.' Each piece is a tiny canvas reflecting the changing seasons of Japan. For instance, in spring, you might find delicate cherry blossoms or plum flowers, often in soft pinks and whites, symbolizing renewal. Summer brings vibrant greens and blues, perhaps shaped like hydrangeas or morning glories. As autumn arrives, chrysanthemums and maple leaves in rich reds and golds become popular, while winter designs might feature camellias or snow crystals. It's not just about replicating nature; it's about capturing the essence of the season in an edible form. I remember seeing a beautiful 'lotus flower' design, which instantly made me think of summer tranquility. The level of detail in these 'flower-shaped sweets' is astounding. Looking at pictures of a '1st attempt' at 'making Nerikiri' really highlighted for me the skill involved. It’s not easy to create those intricate 'floral and abstract patterns' with such precision! The images even showed some pieces that were 'personalized' for a wedding, which adds another layer of thoughtfulness to this traditional 'Japanese dessert.' This kind of meticulous 'crafting' is what makes each piece so special and why it's considered an 'artistic and delicate nature' sweet. Enjoying Nerikiri isn't just about satisfying a sweet craving; it's an experience. Typically served with a cup of hot matcha or green tea, the subtle sweetness of the Wagashi perfectly balances the tea's slight bitterness. It's meant to be savored slowly, allowing you to appreciate not just the taste but also the visual beauty and the cultural significance behind each shape and color. Knowing that many Nerikiri are made from plant-based protein, making them vegan-friendly and gluten-free, only adds to their appeal. It feels like a moment of peaceful indulgence, a small escape into a world of tradition and beauty. It really makes you appreciate the value of handcrafted dedication over mass-produced sweets.
