Mochi Rice Cake (400 grams)

Made from delicious, traditionally grown Nagano rice with zero additives, these little rice cakes pack a crisp and subtle flavor. While rice cake (or “mochi”) is known as a sticky food that’s hard to work with, these individually wrapped rice cakes are designed to be both easy to eat and easy to prepare; simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds at 700 watts. Mochi is used in a variety of Japanese dishes, and is very popular during the New Year’s holiday in Japan. It’s especially popular when used to make “ozoni”, a rice cake soup enjoyed by people of all ages. One of the unique features of mochi is the fact that it can be easily divided and separated into small pieces. It’s the perfect choice when preparing for a busy New Year’s holiday (or any other event) when you need just the right amount. What truly makes this food special is the fact that it’s perfect for any season or occasion. It can be served hot or cold, and the Japanese use it in everything from soup to desserts (mochi strawberries, red bean paste and even ice cream are all common sweets). With that said, these little cakes are truly special in the winter; in Japan, mochi is thought to give strength and power to help get you through the colder months. In fact, it’s so special that it’s even used in rituals. Mochi was traditionally pounded by hand with a wooden mallet, a process called “mochitsuki” (literally “rice pounding”), and it’s not uncommon to see mochi cakes in Shinto shrines as well as homes and kitchens. When served in hot dishes, its soft, fluffy texture warms the body and soul. It pairs beautifully with warm miso, dashi (Japanese cooking broth) and a variety of fresh local vegetables on a cold winter day, and we strongly encourage you to experiment and expand your culinary repertoire with this highly versatile ingredient.