Summer Snacks: Five Unique Ones to Try!

When summer heats in Japan, people reach for cool and yummy snacks to beat the heat. Japanese summer snacks are more than just tasty treats – they’re a fun way to enjoy the season! From icy desserts that melt in your mouth to chilled foods that wake up your taste buds, these summer snacks help everyone be refreshed!

Candied fruits

Candied fruits, or kanroni, are a popular summer snack in Japan. These sweet treats are perfect for hot, sticky summer days. They’re like regular fruits but coated in sugar, which makes them extra yummy and helps keep you cool.

In the past, candied fruits were mainly made from nearby things, like yuzu (citrus), cherry blossoms, and chestnuts. But now, you can find all sorts of candied fruits in Japan. Strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and even mangoes are common choices!

Fresh fruits are cooked in sugary syrup for a long time to make candied fruits. This makes the fruits see-through and shiny. It also makes them taste even better than they did before. You can buy these sweet snacks wrapped up by themselves or in fancy boxes that make great gifts. Sometimes, they’re put on top of shaved ice desserts or used in traditional sweets.

As more foods worldwide become popular in Japan, candied fruits are changing too. Now, you can find all sorts of new flavors and excellent ways of serving them. Both locals and tourists love to munch on these sweet, fruity snacks to help them feel better when it’s hot outside.

Castella

Castella, or kasutera in Japanese, is a yummy sponge cake popular in Japan. It’s famous for its sweet honey flavor and fluffy texture. This cake has an excellent history – it came from Portuguese traders who brought it to Japan in the 1500s. They called it Pão de Castela, which means “bread from Castile.”

At first, castella was just a simple bread that could last a long time, which was great for sailors on long trips. But over time, bakers in Japan changed it. They added sugar, eggs, and honey to make it sweeter and moister. This new version became a big hit!

Castella is usually baked in big rectangular pans and cut into long slices. It’s soft, bouncy, and melts in your mouth. People love to eat it with green tea or coffee, especially in the afternoon. There are many different castella types, like ones made with green tea or brown sugar. The cake is especially famous in Nagasaki, where some of the oldest bakeries in Japan still make it. Even a tiny version called “baby castella” is popular at festivals.

Chilled cucumber

Chilled cucumber is a refreshing and popular summer treat in Japan. When the hot and humid weather hits, many people turn to this simple yet satisfying snack to cool down and stay hydrated.

In Japan, cucumbers are often enjoyed in a variety of chilled preparations. One common way is to slice them thinly and serve them ice-cold with a sprinkle of salt. This brings out the cucumber’s natural sweetness and makes for a crisp, refreshing bite.

Another popular method is to make kyuri no tsukemono, or pickled cucumbers. These are typically quick-pickled in salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. The result is a tangy, crunchy snack perfect for hot summer days. Some people also like to dress up their chilled cucumbers with sesame oil and seeds, creating a dish called kyuri no goma-ae. This adds a nutty flavor and extra texture to the cool, crisp cucumber slices.

Chilled cucumber is tasty and good for you. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they help keep you hydrated in the summer heat. They’re also low in calories and contain vitamins and minerals. Some people even add chilled cucumber slices to their drinks for a refreshing twist!

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Kakigori

Kakigori, a beloved Japanese shaved ice dessert, cools countless people during Japan’s sweltering summers. As the heat rises, locals and tourists flock to kakigori stands to enjoy this icy, sweet treat.

Skilled vendors create kakigori using a particular machine that shaves a block of ice into fluffy, snow-like flakes. They pile these flakes high in a bowl or cup and drench them with flavored syrups. Strawberry, melon, lemon, and blue Hawaii top the list of popular flavors. Many shops offer traditional Japanese options like matcha (green tea) or azuki (sweet red bean).

The magic of kakigori lies in its texture. The finely shaved ice feels light and fluffy, almost like fresh snow. This airy texture absorbs the syrup perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of icy coolness and sweet flavor in every spoonful.

Creative kakigori shops often elevate their desserts with exciting toppings. Your kakigori might be adorned with fresh fruit, chewy mochi rice cakes, a drizzle of condensed milk, or even a scoop of ice cream. These additions transform the simple shaved ice into an indulgent treat.

Overall, kakigori boasts a rich history in Japan, dating back hundreds of years. Once a luxury reserved for the wealthy, modern refrigeration has made this cool, sweet dessert accessible to everyone.

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Hiyayakko

Hiyayakko, also known as “cold tofu,” is a popular Japanese dish that offers a refreshing way to enjoy tofu during the hot summer months. This simple yet delightful dish involves serving chilled silken tofu with various savory toppings.

To prepare hiyayakko, start with a block of soft or silken tofu, which is chilled and cut into small squares. The tofu is topped with traditional soy sauce, grated ginger, and sliced green onions. Other typical toppings include katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), sesame seeds, and myoga (Japanese ginger). Some variations might also include citrus zest, shiso leaves, or even a splash of ponzu sauce for added flavor.

Hiyayakko has a rich history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The name “hiyayakko” comes from “hiya,” meaning cold, and “yakko,” referring to the traditional square shape of the tofu. This dish became popular because it required no cooking and was easy to prepare, making it ideal for the hot Japanese summers.

Hiyayakko is a common homemade dish in many Japanese restaurants and izakayas, especially during the summer. It takes just a few minutes to prepare. Simply place the chilled tofu on a plate, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy.

Why should I try these Japanese summer snacks?

These Japanese summer snacks offer a delicious way to beat the heat and experience a taste of Japan’s culinary culture. Each treat, from the sweet candied fruits to the refreshing chilled cucumber, provides a unique flavor and texture that captures the essence of Japanese summers.

By trying these snacks, you’ll discover how Japanese cuisine adapts to the hot season, creating light, refreshing dishes that cool you down and satisfy your taste buds. These treats showcase the creativity and ingenuity of Japanese food culture, often using simple ingredients in clever ways to create something unique. Which of these summer snacks would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below!