Autumn Moon Festival Snacks to Try This Year!

As the colors of autumn begin to show, Japan offers a variety of snacks that are perfect for celebrating the Tsukimi festival. From the crispy-chewy delight of yaki mochi to the sweet, satisfying flavor of hoshigaki, these treats capture the taste of fall in Japan. Discover the unique flavors and traditions of the autumn moon festival that make autumn in Japan memorable.

Yaki Mochi

Yaki mochi is a snack made by grilling mochi until it develops a crispy outside while staying soft and chewy inside. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with simple toppings like soy sauce and sugar, or kinako, although toppings like condensed milk and crushed Oreos have become popular. Yaki mochi can also be used in other dishes, such as zenzai, a sweet red bean soup, or chikara udon, a hearty noodle soup, adding flavor and a satisfying chew!

Making yaki mochi at home is straightforward and can be done with different flavor combinations. The mochi is toasted until it puffs up and turns golden brown, creating a balance between crunchy and chewy. This allows yaki mochi to cater to personal tastes, whether you prefer it sweet or savory. Its simplicity and endless possibilities for customization make yaki mochi a favorite in Japanese cuisine.

Persimmons

Japanese persimmons, or kaki, are vibrant orange fruits enjoyed during fall. There are two main varieties: shibugaki, an astringent type that must be fully ripe before eating, and fuyu, a sweet variety that can be enjoyed even when firm. These fruits boost immune function, improve skin health and aid digestion. Kaki is a popular ingredient in sweet and savory dishes, adding a natural sweetness and crunch to meals!

Dried persimmons, known as hoshigaki, are a traditional Japanese treat that highlights the concentrated sweetness of the fruit. To make hoshigaki, shibugaki persimmons are peeled, hung to dry, and massaged daily to create a chewy, dense texture with a slightly caramelized flavor. Hoshigaki can be enjoyed independently or used in various ways, offering a sweet, nutritious alternative to everyday sugary snacks. Top of Form

Autumn Fruits

Fall in Japan is a season of delicious fruits, with popular choices like apples, grapes, pears, and figs. Each fruit offers unique flavors and characteristics, such as the crisp and sweet Fuji apple. Grapes, like the premium Ruby Roman, are prized for their sweetness, while Japanese pears are known for their juiciness and crisp texture. Figs, particularly the Toyomitsuhime variety, add a rich sweetness to various desserts.

In addition to their great taste, these fall fruits are packed with health benefits. Apples are rich in vitamins A and C, boosting the immune system and supporting overall health. Grapes and pears are often used in both sweet and savory dishes. Figs are commonly made into jams or baked into cakes. Enjoying these fruits during the fall season satisfies the taste buds and contributes to a balanced and nutritious diet.

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Tsukimi Dango

Tsukimi dango is a traditional smooth, round rice dumpling that is steamed until soft and chewy. It is offered as a tribute to the moon during tsukimi, to show gratitude for the harvest and celebrate the beauty of the full moon. Originating from Chinese customs, these plain white dumplings have become a significant part of Japanese culture, especially during this time.

To make tsukimi dango, rice flour, and glutinous rice flour are mixed with water to form a smooth dough. The dough is then shaped into small round balls, steamed, and arranged in a pyramid, often topped with two yellow balls representing the moon. The dumplings have a natural sweetness from the rice, but sugar can be added. This simple treat reflects the season’s beauty and the importance of tradition in Japanese culture.

Japanese Autumn Dishes

Traditional dishes like oden, where ingredients like fish cakes and daikon radish are slowly simmered in broth, become popular in the autumn. Seasonal sake, with its slightly dry and crisp taste, perfectly complements autumn’s hearty dishes and celebrates the harvest. Shinmai, the freshly harvested rice, symbolizes the season’s wealth with its slightly sticky texture and subtle sweetness.

Grilled Pacific saury, or sanma, brings the taste of the sea to autumn tables with its tender, flaky flesh. Matsutake chawanmushi, a savory egg custard featuring the famous matsutake mushroom, displays the elegance of Japanese cuisine in autumn. This dish combines the silky texture of steamed eggs with the earthy flavor of matsutake, creating a blend of tastes and textures.

Why should we try these tsukimi snacks?

Trying tsukimi snacks is a way to enjoy Japanese culture and experience the rich flavors of autumn. These traditional treats are an essential part of the moon-viewing festivities. Tsukimi dango signifies gratitude for the harvest and the beauty of the full moon. Yaki mochi, with its crispy exterior and chewy interior, contrasts perfectly with the cool autumn air, while hoshigaki offers a nutritious alternative to modern snacks.

These tsukimi snacks also offer health benefits alongside their flavors. Persimmons are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. The ingredients used in these snacks, such as rice flour in tsukimi dango and the natural sweetness of persimmons, make them naturally delicious.

By enjoying these treats, you are savoring the flavors of autumn and celebrating the beauty of the changing seasons! Have you ever tried any of these tsukimi snacks? Which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!