Kurumi-Dani

I realized once again that walnuts are the nut that goes with everything.

“Hato-Nishiki” in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, is a confectionary shop that makes many sweets using local fruits, chestnuts, and walnuts, sticking to the traditional local manufacturing method. This time, I bought “Walnut Valley” from Hato Nishiki.

The package depicts a traditional Japanese house, which is an image of Shinshū. Walnuts are usually found on tall trees in the mountains, but Nagano Prefecture, with its many differences in elevation, is probably the perfect place to grow walnuts.

Upon opening the package, the Shinshu walnuts are immediately on display. Roasted walnuts are placed on top of the manju.

When split in half, the bean paste inside appears to be a white bean paste based on hand-rolled beans.

The white bean paste had a creamy flavor, with cream and butter added. It seems that the walnut is enhanced by the slightly Western taste. It is a blend of Japanese and Western flavors.