MARUTA Konpeito Japanese Sugar Candy a set of 50 bags by Kasugai

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Making konpeito is no small effort! In fact, it is quite the labor of love. It is said that making the candy can take anywhere from 7-13 days. But, why does it take so long to produce such tiny candies that are mostly made of sugar? Especially in the 21st century? This is because the traditional methods and techniques of making konpeito that were developed in the Meiji era, have been left un-updated. You’ve no doubt heard that Japan is famous for unusual Kit Kat flavors. Most people have Green Tea Kit Kats on their must buy souvenirs from Japan list. Konpeito used to take months to make because of the outdated techniques of using coal for heating and the laborious nature of the entire procedure. However, the Japanese star candy now takes around 7 to 14 days to complete, thanks to technological advances. The sugar crystals are crunchy and have a simple sugar flavor, making them enjoyable for people of all ages to eat.

Making the kohakutou is actually really simple. You dissolve the agar agar into the water and bring it to a boil. This is different than using gelatin, you would never boil gelatin, only bloom and then dissolve it. The Portuguese introduced konpeito in the 16th century, and the Japanese adapted it to suit their tastes. Therefore, you're getting a Euro-Asian flavour that's unique. Today, this traditional Japanese candy is still handmade in small batches using traditional techniques. Hence, its traditional production methods and cultural significance make it a must-try when visiting Japan. Oda Nobunaga, the most powerful feudal lord or daimyo during the mid-1500s, who eventually became known as the “Great Unifier of Japan”, received a glass flask containing some konpeito from a Portuguese missionary as a gift for obtaining permission to do Christian missionary work in Japan. So if you ever get your hands on konpeito, you can pride yourself in thinking that you’ll be able to experience the exact same type of candy that Oda Nobunaga was able to try almost half a millennium ago! Konpeito in Modern Japanese Culture According to Nakata Tomoichi, researcher of the mathematical aspects of Konpeito and 'Konpeito Fan Club' founder, there are specific characteristics to look for in a Konpeito to distinguish the most high-quality ones.These DIY Japanese candy kits are typical of Japan's innovative spirit and are a must-try when you get there! It is creative and interactive, offering a unique DIY experience. Additionally, many kits feature unique and creative designs influenced by J-pop culture and trends. Where do we begin? There are so many types of candy in Japan. Let’s break them down into a few broad categories first: hard candy, soft candy, and gummies (yes, gummy candy is soft, too, but it’s getting its own category). Japanese Hard Candy Since it has a milky and creamy flavour, Fujiya Milk is among the best Japanese treats available in the market. | Image from thousand.candies You can store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for about two weeks before they start to dry out and get too hard.

The interesting Konpeito texture enhances your its overall experience. | Image from hottopic_maplewood Jelly Beans - There are so many types of jelly beans in Japan - including Poifull (sweet and sour) and Kasugai Tsubu Gummy (ok, it’s called a gummy, but to a western eye and palette, it’s a jelly bean)Wow, there is so much Japanese gummy candy . Sometimes, when you’re roaming the candy aisle of a Japanese convenience store, it seems almost all of the candies are gummies. Here are a few types you can find. Milk Candy - Want a candy that’s sweet and milky? Well, Japan has you covered. You should try the candy called “Milky.” It’s chewy and (you guessed it) milky. Japanese Fujiya Milky candy (alt: Peko Chan Hokkaido Milk classic soft candy)– good choice for those who like soft candy! Now, the colored Konpeitos are prepared in a sizable inclined rotating pot known as a "dora," and the colorful star bits are formed by gradually adding drops of syrup.

I noticed that the color likes to sit on top of the jelly so I had to use a skewer to kind of make circles going from the top of the jelly down to the bottom. I decided not to fully mix it because I liked the swirls. Konpeitō ( 金平糖 , こんぺいとう), also spelled kompeitō, is a type of Japanese sugar candy. It takes the form of a small sphere with a bumpy surface, and comes in a variety of colors and flavors. [1] Etymology [ edit ] Konpeito comes in small round shapes with tiny pointy 'spikes' (don't be scared they are not sharp and won't sting you), making them look like little spherical stars. They come in various colors, such as white, pink, yellow, green, blue, etc. Like many traditional Japanese sweets, the colors are often elegant and subdued, mostly in pastel shades rather than gaudy or overly vivid colors. As mentioned above, although Konpeito comes in many colors, the taste of each candy used to be relatively the same. However, today it comes in flavors such as strawberry, mango, vanilla, plum, peach, yogurt, matcha and more. Varieties can be popular at different times of the year, reflecting seasonal flavors or celebrating different occasions. Kohakutou is a Japanese candy made from Agar Agar and translates to "amber candy". Kohakutou is made by pouring flavored jelly into a dish and allowing it to set before cutting or tearing into crystal shapes. The candy develops a crunchy outer crust after a few days but remains delightfully chewy inside.

Varieties of Konpeito

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