Explore the Delightful World of Puru Puru: Kanten (Agar Agar) in Japanese Desserts

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Zojirushi America Corporation

Hey, Zo fans! Have you ever had a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also has a playful wobble that brings a smile to your face? That’s where “puru puru” comes into play! It’s the perfect way to describe the delightful texture of kanten, which is a vegan ingredient derived from seaweed. Specifically made from red algae, and also known as agar-agar, kanten is a versatile and flavorless ingredient that adds a gelatinous magic to Japanese sweets, giving them their distinct puru puru charm.

From the exquisite wagashi served during traditional tea ceremonies to the classic sweet jelly called yokan, kanten is the secret star ingredient that adds that extra bit of fun to Japan’s most delightful desserts. Join us as we embark on a tantalizing journey into the realm of Japanese desserts and kanten today!

History & Etymology of Kanten

The term “kanten” traces its roots back to Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868). Derived from the Malay word “agar-agar,” meaning “jelly” or “vegetable gelatin,” kanten found its way into the Japanese lexicon centuries ago. Kanten became popular during the Edo period as a substitute for gelatin, which was costly and scarce at the time. Japanese confectioners embraced the unique texture and gelling properties of kanten, incorporating it into various traditional sweets.

Over time, kanten gained prominence as a versatile ingredient, lending its signature wobble and firm-yet-yielding texture to wagashi, yokan, anmitsu, and other beloved Japanese desserts.

Where to Find Kanten

Today, kanten is readily available in many forms, including powdered, flakes, and solid bars. You can find it in well-stocked Asian grocery stores, specialty food stores, or even online retailers. Its increasing popularity and versatility have made it more accessible for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts eager to explore the world of Japanese desserts.

Does Kanten Have Any Nutritional Value?

Apart from its culinary appeal, kanten offers some nutritional benefits. Being derived from seaweed, it is a source of dietary fiber and contains no fat or cholesterol and is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Kanten is also low in calories, making it an attractive choice for those seeking lighter dessert options. Additionally, it is rich in minerals such as calcium and iron, contributing to a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Kanten: The Perfect Ingredient For Vegan and Gluten-Free Desserts

Chefs and home cooks have embraced kanten as a vegan and gluten-free alternative, making it a game-changer for those with dietary restrictions. With kanten, you can enjoy the magic of puru puru in vegan and gluten-free desserts. Think refreshing fruit-filled kanten jellies with juicy chunks of seasonal goodness or dreamy plant-based panna cottas infused with flavors like matcha, coconut, or floral essences. The possibilities are endless!

So, why not dive into the world of kanten and indulge in the delightful textures and flavors it brings to your sweet creations? Have you made Japanese desserts with kanten before? Share your thoughts, comments, and questions with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Toro Toro! Discover the Sweet and Refreshing World of Warabi Mochi

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Zojirushi America Corporation

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious and refreshing Japanese dessert – warabi mochi! Often associated with the term “toro toro,” which describes rich and creamy foods that melt in your mouth. This soft and chewy delicacy has been enjoyed by Japanese people for centuries, and its popularity continues to grow worldwide. Its unique texture and refreshing taste make it the perfect dessert for a warm spring day.

In today’s blog, we will explore the history and culture of warabi mochi, how to make it, and where to find it. Let’s dive in!

History and Culture

Warabi mochi originated during the Heian period in Japan (794-1185), and it was a popular delicacy among the aristocracy. It was made from bracken starch, which was a rare and expensive ingredient at that time. Bracken starch is rich in fiber, which can help with digestion, and is also a good source of protein and vitamin B1. The dessert became more widespread during the Edo period (1603-1868) when it was served in tea houses as part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

The name warabi mochi comes from the word “warabi,” which means “bracken” in Japanese. Bracken is a type of fern that grows in Japan and is used in many traditional dishes. Warabi mochi is typically eaten during the summer months and served chilled.

Unlike regular mochi, it has a much softer, jelly-like texture. In Japan, it often comes in a variety of flavors and toppings, such as matcha green tea and black sesame. The dessert can also be enjoyed in different shapes, such as cubes or rolled balls in various sizes.

The dessert has become so popular that it has even inspired fashion trends, with warabi mochi-themed clothing and accessories! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own variations of the dessert by experimenting with different flavors and toppings.

How to Make Warabi Mochi

Making warabi mochi is fun and easy but requires a few specialized ingredients. Because bracken root starch is difficult to find, you will usually find warabi mochiko starch instead. This powder, although similar in appearance to hon warabiko, is generally made of sweet potato starch, tapioca starch, or kudzu arrowroot starch.

Here is a simple recipe for making warabi mochi:

Ingredients:

80g of bracken starch
500ml of water
100g of sugar
1 tablespoon of kinako (roasted soybean powder)
1 tablespoon of sweet soybean flour
Water, for boiling
Ice cubes

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bracken starch and water and stir well.
In a separate saucepan, mix the sugar and 200ml of water and bring to a boil.
Slowly pour the bracken starch mixture into the saucepan while stirring continuously.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Pour the mixture into a rectangular baking dish and allow it to cool and solidify.
Once the warabi mochi has solidified, cut it into small pieces and set aside.
Boil a pot of water and add the warabi mochi Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the pieces float to the surface.
Remove the warabi mochi from the water and place it in a bowl of ice water to cool.

Serve the warabi mochi with kinako and sweet soybean flour.

Where to Find Warabi Mochi

Warabi mochi can be found in many traditional Japanese sweet shops and some restaurants specializing in traditional Japanese cuisine. It is also available at some specialty grocery stores and online retailers. If you are in Japan, you can find warabi mochi in almost any department store or shopping center.

Learn more about wagashi, or Japanese desserts, on our blog Essentials of Japanese Cooking: Wagashi

So, whether you’re a fan of traditional Japanese desserts or just looking to try something new, make sure to add warabi mochi to your list of must-try treats! Have you tried warabi mochi before? Share your thoughts, comments, and questions with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

The Voices of Zojirushi – Amy, Social Media Manager!

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Zojirushi America Corporation

We have a wonderful treat this month – a chance to get to know Amy, Zojirushi’s Social Media Manager!

Amy started at Zojirushi as a Customer Service Representative and then became part of the Marketing Team managing the Zojirushi social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Amy’s multifaceted passion for connecting with Zojirushi customers and fans is just one of reasons we’re excited to share her with you!

Amy, you’ve been with Zojirushi for a while now, and have a unique perspective about the products, customers and company goals. What do you see as Zojirushi’s corporate values and how do you believe they’re embody in the products and services?

It’s all about dedication to the customer experience. We know you can’t see it, but Zojirushi products are R&D’d to within an inch of their lives! Our commitment to creating innovative products manufactured to the highest standards is our lifeblood. We are always striving to exceed the expectations of our customers, because we want Zojirushi products to be a reliable part of their owners’ lives. We think that the quality of the products produced by this madness is evident. It’s always a pleasure when customers tell us they are still happily using a rice cooker or breadmaker we produced in the 80s!

There’s still a lot of these breadmakers kicking around!

How do you see your position at Zojirushi create a better quality of life for our customers, which is part of Zojirushi’s mission?

The Zojirushi experience doesn’t end when the customer exits the retailer’s door. Our social media presence is an opportunity for us to continue educating the customer about the product, and supply fun and useful things like recipes that let them find new ways to enjoy it. It’s also an invaluable tool for connecting with customers, because reaching out to us is so easy and instant—no phone call required.

Our corporate tagline is Inspirations from Everyday Life. How do you believe Zojirushi products inspire customers?

Just ask our customers and Zojirushi evangelists! The quality and functionality of our products inspire fans—we’ve heard many times that customers feel like they’ve stumbled upon something really unique and different, and they love to share that discovery with others. Not all customers find our brand the same way; for instance, someone who purchases and loves our Stainless Mug may not know that we also manufacture world-class rice cookers. But because our commitment to manufacturing products only at the highest standards, customers know that no matter what they’re eyeballing in our catalog, it will be made and function with Zojirushi quality.

Beef tataki

You must have been inspired by something yourself to feel so passionate about Zojirushi! Was it a trip to Japan or something about Japanese food or culture that you love?

I’ve been to Japan twice, once when I was 18 for a month-and-a-half to participate in a Japanese language-learning program, and once last year for a handful of days to visit Zojirushi Corporation headquarters in Osaka, where I had the opportunity to tour the factory and learn a little more about how our water boilers and rice cookers are assembled. The most interesting experience I have had while in Japan was visiting the onsen (hot springs) in Odaiba, because communal bathing is not a typical American experience. As for food, I love all types of Japanese food—sushi, ramen, soba, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, sukiyaki, yakitori, gyudon… neatly individually-wrapped portions of various wagashi—but there’s something about really fresh, perfectly seared cold beef tataki served with a bright and refreshing citrus sauce that always hits the spot. (Shout out to izakaya-style restaurant Kappo Honda in Fountain Valley, CA, whose beef tataki is on point!)

If you could tell people one great thing about Zojirushi, what would it be?

We are a relatively small company, and the ties between employees are close. Many employees have been with Zojirushi America since we opened our office here in 1987 (or maybe even before then) and have shared a lot of history together. Our company president, Mr. Yamasaki, is right up the hall—if an employee wants to chat with him, he’s available to listen. Our staff is also a diverse one that speaks many languages—Japanese and English, of course, but also Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese—and boasts a variety of personalities. Zojirushi America is full of incredible people, and it’s a big part of what makes working here a pleasure.

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We love working with Amy, and we hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know her this month. Stay tuned for our next Voice of Zojirushi!