Mochi

I recently came across something called Mochi, a curious soft, pastel-coloured treat in a packet with a variety of flavours. I’d never seen these before. They look and feel like marshmallow or Turkish delight and after reading the translated nutrition facts on the back, I learnt they are sweet as well as savoury. Six flavours were available so I grabbed a pack of each. I’ll try anything once.

I’ve since found out these little treats are commonly eaten during Japanese New Year, anytime of the year, in fact, in the form of confectionary, icecream and even soup. Taiwan and Hawaii consider it a snack as well. Basically it is made using glutinous rice that has been pounded into a paste with mortar and pestle. This sticky mass is flavoured and then formed into balls or cubes.

Green Tea Mochi – the consistency is like uncooked bread dough or uncooked gnocchi. There’s a slight sweetness and prominent flavour of artificial green tea and a pale green colour. The flavour is more like shampoo or air freshener.

Red Bean Mochi – this one has a small red bean in it and is sweeter and almost creamy in flavour. It’s white and also has a soap-like flavour.
 

Taro Mochi – the colour of this one is pale purple and the flavour is similar to a vanilla spongecake with cream and strawberries. The glutinous texture is a little unpleasant, to me.

Sesame Mochi – these ones look the best. They’re rolled in toasted sesame so the main flavour is just that. Kind of like lightly salted sesame marshmallow with a bitter aftertaste.

Peanut Mochi – this one is rolled in finely ground peanuts and smells quite good. The flavour is sweet and nutty with a hint of sweet corn. Not too bad.

I’ve got to say I don’t love mochi now that I’ve tried this processed version. The ones that I bought are from Taiwan and I found them a little odd in flavour and texture. Maybe I’d try it again if it were handmade, but I wouldn’t rush into it. Many more things out there to try.

Tagged as: Dessert, Japanese