Momiji manjū

Momiji Manjū is a traditional Japanese confectionery that originated from Miyajima, Hiroshima. It is a type of manjū, a popular Japanese sweet, and is named after the momiji or Japanese maple leaf, which it is shaped to resemble.

History

Momiji Manjū was first created in the Meiji era (1868-1912) by a confectionery store in Miyajima called Murakami Honke. The store owner wanted to create a unique sweet that would represent the beauty of Miyajima and its famous momiji, or maple leaves. The sweet quickly became popular among visitors to the island and is now a well-known souvenir of the Hiroshima region.

Preparation

Momiji Manjū is made by pouring a pancake-like batter into a mold shaped like a maple leaf. The batter is typically made from wheat flour, sugar, and eggs. The filling is traditionally anko, a sweet paste made from azuki beans, but modern variations may use custard, chocolate, or other fillings. The filled mold is then closed and heated until the batter is cooked and the filling is warm.

Cultural Significance

Momiji Manjū is often served with green tea as part of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It is also a popular gift to bring back from a trip to Miyajima, as it is a symbol of the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

See Also

• Manjū
• Japanese confectionery
• Miyajima
• Japanese tea ceremony