Kusa mochi
Appearance
yomogi leaf; red bean paste | |
150 (for 50g) kcal | |
Kusa mochi (草餅, lit. "herb mochi"), also known as kusamochi or .
History
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Helichrysum_luteoalbum_%28Jersey_Cudweed%29_%2824368243434%29.jpg/157px-Helichrysum_luteoalbum_%28Jersey_Cudweed%29_%2824368243434%29.jpg)
The custom to knead
Jersey cudweed before the Heian era.[2] Another purported reason for the change in ingredients was because Jersey cudweed is called Haha-ko-gusa which literally translates to "mother-and-child grass".[3] As kusa mochi was enjoyed with a purpose of wishing for the health and well-being of mother and her children, it was considered ominous to knead jersey cudweed into the mochi.[3]
Since the
Edo-era, kusa mochi began to be used as offering for Hinamatsuri (the Girl's Festival).[1] The reason it was chosen as the offering was because of the vivid green color that represents fresh verdure.[1] Japanese mugwort is known for its vitality, which makes it difficult to eradicate.[1] Kusa mochi was used as an offering with a desire of health and longevity.[1]
As medicinal food
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/What_plant_is_this%3F_%284512831006%29.jpg/373px-What_plant_is_this%3F_%284512831006%29.jpg)
The idea of food being fundamentally connected to medication has been present for a long time.hemostatic, a medicine for diarrhea, and for miscarriage prevention, and these uses are still put to practical use today. Research done in by the Hokkaido Tokachi Area Regional Food Processing Technology Center has claimed that Japanese mugwort is effective in improving blood flow.
The Japanese mugwort is a member of the asteraceae plant family, which some people have allergies to.
See also
- Qingtuan, the original Chinese form of this dish, also consumed during the spring
- Caozai guo, the Fujianeseform
References
- ^ a b c d e f "草餅の特徴・歴史・味 - 和菓子の季節.com". wagashi-season.com. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
- ^ Ishihara, Masami (2017-03-04). "【和菓子歳時記17】春の季語の1つ「草餅」で、季節の変わり目の厄払い". 家電 Watch (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-01-29.
- ^ a b "草餅を食べる由来と時期!美味しい作り方や驚きの栄養効能とは?". shikitari.net (in Japanese). 2019-03-18. Retrieved 2020-01-30.
- ^ hdl:2065/39333.