Ichigo Daifuku

I love “Ichigo Daifuku! “

Daifukumochi or just Daifuku,  is a soft type of mochi ( Japanese rice cake) with sweet bean paste filling.

There are two types of the bean pastes:  “An or Anko” is the red bean paste  from the Azuki red beans; and the white bean paste which is called Shiro An. (Shiro= white).    Lately, some daifuku mochi’s use cream instead of the bean pastes.

Ichigo Daifuku with white bean paste

This one has the cream inside

There are many kinds of Daifuku mochi’s.  They usually come in these colors- white, light pink, or very light shade of green.

Traditional Daifukumochi

Most of them are covered with confectionery sugar.

The kanji characters “Dai” and “Fuku”, literally means “BIG LUCK”.   Thus, we see mochi in many ceremonial occasions.  Mochi – is very popular during New Year.

Personally, I love any Ichigo Daifuku.

Ichigo Daifuku is usually sold in Spring time, when the fruit is in season.  But recently, we can find them almost all year round.

A new type - the strawberry is on top of the daifuku mochi

These are different flavors of Mochi Ice

Also popular in the market is  Mochi Ice ( Mochi Ice-cream), these are soft mochi filled with various flavors ice-cream.   When you put this bit size-mochi in your mouth, you feel the regular mochi, only this time – it is so cool and refreshing.

Many shops try to create different looks and tastes of mochi.    So, friends, which one would you want to try?