Reviewed by
Mary
This month Sakuraco is focusing on Hakone, in the Kanazawa Prefecture.
It is a beautiful region with both wonderful history and incredible scenery.
The menu booklet really showcases the theme. There’s a detailed menu of all the items in the box, giving you some of the origins of the different treats inside, plus an excellent allergy guide. There’s also fascinating information about the history and culture of the region, the traditional spa experience, as well as some of the producers of the various delicacies.
Matcha Konjac Warabimochi is a very interesting candy. Konjac is made from the bulb of the konjac plant, and this version is individually wrapped pieces of matcha-flavoured jelly. The bitter flavour of the matcha goes very well with the sweetness and soft texture of the jelly. As a complete contrast, Peanut Macarons are crunchy and nutty. They are the crispy type of macarons and the peanut flavour is delicious. They go very well with a cup of tea.
Arare- little rice crackers – are one of Japan’s most well-known snacks. These Seven Flavours of Arare showcase some of the most traditional flavours, including seaweed and sesame. Senbei are another type of rice cracker, this time flat, and Fried Squid Senbei have been shaped like actual squid. They are flavoured with a savoury squid seasoning.
Yokohama Chocole Crush are little pieces of indulgence! They are crispy savoury puffs coated in dark and white chocolate, and the balance of sweet and savoury, plus the lovely crunchy texture, is the perfect rich treat. Coated almonds are a familiar sweet, but these Strawberry Milk Almonds are definitely less well known. The coating is made from strawberry milk, and the combination of the creamy coating with a slight strawberry tartness is delicious.
This month’s tea is Hakone Story Ryokucha. It’s a refreshing green tea from leaves grown in Shizuoka, and the beautiful packaging design is inspired by the landscape of Hakone, which has marvellous views of Mount Fuji.
Sandwich cookies are popular in Japan, and the Yokohama Raisin Sandwich takes them to the next level. The two buttery cookies contain a creamy filling and also raisins that have been soaked in a brandy syrup, or a rich and slightly boozy treat. Another rich cake is the White Miso Financier. French-style pastries are also popular in Japan, and this version is flavoured with white miso from Kyoto. The salty miso flavour enhances the sweetness of the cake perfectly. The packaging of the Yokohama Milk Cookies pay tribute to a Japanese nursery rhyme Red Shoes Song, and the cookies themselves are flavoured with milk for a nostalgic hint.
If you look closely at the Yokohama Romansketch Biscuits you see beautiful illustrations of Yokohama on the top. While they are almost too pretty to eat, I can say that they are also delicious, another sandwich cookie filled with vanilla cream. Mini Green Apple Mochi have been a favourite with children for decades. They are miniature chewy rice cakes that come in various flavours, in this case tart awoke, and they are packaged with a toothpick for easy picking up. Finishing with savoury, the Wasabi Okaki are another type of rice cracker. Okaki are made from sweet rice flour, rather than the glutinous rice of senbei, and have a crispy puffed texture. This version is coated with soy mixed with wasabi for a little spicy kick.
Finally, this month’s homeware is Marquetry Plate. Marquetry is a type of decorative woodwork that originated in Hakone, and the colour and pattern of this plate reflects the colours and geometric designs of this beautiful art.
