You may know the popular dessert mochi ice cream, a Japanese dessert of ice cream wrapped in rice dough. Mochi ice cream can range from all flavor- such as strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, mint, or any ice cream flavor you can imagine! However, did you ever think you ever wonder what normal mochi is?
What is mochi?
Mochi is, like mochi ice cream, a Japanese dessert. It’s made by pounding glutinous rice or sticky and sweet rice. The rice is known for it’s gum like consistency. The rice is gluten free but, that’s not why it’s called “glutinous”. The term glutinous refers to it’s texture.
Then, after pounding the steamed glutinous rice, you take off some pieces and shape it into balls or any shape. This process is called mochitsuki!
You can also add a variety of fillings inside the mochi, such as jam, paste, or even fruits. There is also different types of mochi such as Daifuku and Dango.
How did mochi gain popularity?
Mochi has been a part of Japanese culture since around 14,000-300 BCE during the Jomon period, the earliest era in Japanese history. However, it wasn’t until 710-794 CE during the Nara period where the treat became what we know today!
Fast forward to the 1980’s, mochi ice cream became a huge hit. Mochi Ice cream was invented by Frances Hashimoto, a Japanese business woman in L.A. This is how mochi was introduced to the West: Through mochi ice cream, as it would appeal to westerners more.
Mochi now at Morton West!
Today mochi can be found in almost every supermarket, and a few Morton students offered their opinions.
A lot of students mentioned this was their first time eating real mochi. Most have only had ice cream mochi. Never the real deal.
Several student’s enjoyed the sweet treat! Several students commented on the texture of the mochi.
“…its so soft when you bite into it feels like a pillow, a cloud”
“textures was surprising, it was so soft.” one student commented.
Several students commented on how the texture felt like a pillow.
“I thought it was gonna be ice cream, but when i bit into it bursted with flavors.”
Will you be trying mochi soon? Or have you already had this delicious sweet.
