Mochi (餅)

▣ What are mochi?

Mochi are Japanese sweets made from steamed glutinous rice, pounded into a dense, smooth, sticky paste. They’re often shaped into rounds and filled with anko (red bean paste) or other fillings.

▣ When do you eat mochi in Japan?

Mochi are a staple during Japanese New Year but also appear at many seasonal festivals and ceremonies. Families make them at home during mochitsuki, the traditional rice-pounding ritual.

▣ What types of mochi are there?

There are tons of varieties: daifuku (filled), sakura mochi (wrapped in cherry leaves), kusa mochi (with yomogi herb), warabi mochi (made from starch). Some are sweet, others slightly savory, varying by season and region.

▣ How do you store and serve mochi?

Fresh mochi harden quickly and are best eaten soon after making. You can serve them at room temperature, lightly toasted, or paired with green tea. In winter, they’re added to hot soups like ozōni.

▣ Fun Facts

• During the mochitsuki ceremony, two people take turns pounding with a mallet and shaping by hand: a coordinated dance that demands focus and teamwork.
• Mochi are so sticky that every year in Japan, choking incidents happen: news outlets often share tips on chewing them properly.