All about Hanami and what the Japanese eat during this season!

What is Hanami? 

« Hanami » is a Japanese tradition which consists in contemplating the cherry flowers, especially during the flowering season of cherry trees, called « Sakura ». This tradition dates back several centuries in Japan and has become a very popular practice in the spring.

During the Hanami period, people gather in parks, gardens or under the cherry blossoms to picnic, find themselves and simply enjoy the ephemeral beauty of cherry flowers.

Hanami is not only a visual activity, but also an important cultural and social experience in Japan. The Japanese often consider this period as a moment of reflection on the transient nature of life, symbolized by the short duration of the flowering of cherry trees.

What does Sakura mean in Japanese mean? 

In Japanese, « Sakura » (桜) refers to the cherries in flowers or the flowers of Cherry tree. These trees are very symbolic in Japan and are associated with the ephemeral beauty of life, because cherry flowers generally last only a few days. The flowering of cherry trees, called « Hanami ”is a very popular tradition in Japan, where people gather to admire and celebrate the beauty of cherry flowers during this short period. Flower cherry trees are also a symbol of renewal, purity and the fleeting of life.

When do Sakura flourish? 

As a rule, cherry trees are starting to flower at the end of March or early April. However, this can vary from year to year. The flowering of cherry trees is a highly anticipated event, and the Japanese often follow weather forecasts and official announcements to plan Hanami festivities. The cherry flowering period, or « Sakura » In Japan, depends on weather conditions and varies from one region to another. In general, the flowering of cherry trees begins in the south of Japan, in warmer regions, before progressing north.

Once the cherry flowers have started to open, they only remain in full bloom for one to two weeks, depending on weather conditions. Hanami's season is therefore relatively short, which contributes to the symbolism of the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms.

What the Japanese eat during Hanami? 

During the Hanami season in Japan, people are used to preparing special meals to enjoy the experience under flower cherry trees. Hanami picnics, called "ohanami", are often made up of light dishes and snacks that can be enjoyed outdoors. Here are some examples of popular dishes during this period:

• Bento Hanami: Bentos are Japanese meal boxes. During Hanami, you can find special bentos with a variety of dishes such as sushi, tempuras, yakitori (chicken skewers), salads and fruit.

• Sakura Mochi (recipe below!): These are sweet rice cakes, often filled with red beans, wrapped in edible cherry leaves. These mochis are particularly popular during the Hanami season.

• Hana-Ikada: These are small food boats decorated with edible flowers, such as cherry petals, which contain various dishes such as sushi, tempuras and small sweet bites.

• Alcoholic beverages: During Hanami, it is common to taste alcoholic drinks such as sake, beer and wine. The breweries sometimes offer special editions of Saké to celebrate the Cherry Flower season.

The friendly atmosphere of Hanami picnics is an integral part of the celebration where friends, family and even colleagues come together to enjoy the spring landscape and share delicious meals.

HAS This period, limited editions of food products around Sakura are flourishing in Japan! Here are some examples that we could find and enjoy during this season:

Sakura Kit-Kat: Kit-kat is known in Japan to offer seasonal flavors. During Hanami's season, you could find kit-kat to Sakura's taste.

Sakura noodles: noodles have a crucial place in the Japanese diet and habits. HAS This period, many noodle dishes are available around the cherry blossom. 

Sakura drinks: special drinks, such as sakura tea or sodas flavored with cherry blossom, can be available in a limited edition.

Sakura-flavored snacks: snacks such as chips, cookies and ice cream can be offered with a sakura flavor.

Sakura Sake and alcohols in Sakura: breweries can create special editions of sake, liquor or others with cherry notes and sometimes even fresh flowers! 

Of course, these products vary from region to region and from year to year. Hanami's season is an opportunity to create exclusive products and attract customers during this festive period. If you have the opportunity to visit Japan during the Hanami season, be sure to discover the local limited editions available at that time! 

Sakura cherry flowers marinated to infuse - 35g

Some recipes to make at home:

Sakura Mochi recipe:

Ingredients :

• 2 cups of sticky rice (mochigoma)
• 1 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of cherry sheet extract (optional)
• Sweet red beans (year or tsubuan)
• Edible cherry leaves (Sakura)

Instructions :

1. Rinse the sticky rice with cold water until the water is clear. Cook the sticky rice according to the instructions on the packaging.
2. In a saucepan, mix the sugar with the water and heat over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the cherry leaf extract if you use it.
3. When the rice is cooked, add the sweet rice syrup and mix gently until the rice is well coated.
4. Take a small portion of rice and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Add a small amount of red bean paste in the center of the rice and gently wrap the rice around the dough.
5. Pack each mochi with a edible cherry sheet, folding if necessary.

Hanami Dango recipe:

Ingredients :

For the dough:

• 1 cup of sticky rice flour (Shiratamako)
• 1/2 cup of water
• Food colors (pink for the first ball, green for the second, and none for the third)

For garnish :

• Anko (sweet red beans))
• Kinako (toasted soy powder)

Instructions :

1. In a bowl, mix the sticky rice flour with water until you get a smooth dough.
2. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Add pink food coloring to one part, from green dye to another, and leave the third part without coloring.
3. Form small balls with each portion of dough.
4. Cook the dough balls in boiling water until they float on the surface (it only takes a few minutes). Remove and let cool slightly.
5. Put on cooked balls on skewers, alternating the colors.
6. Serve the Dango with anko (sweet red beans) and sprinkle with kinako (toasted soy powder).

These two recipes are ideal for celebrating the Hanami season with traditional Japanese flavors.