Kyōshū-no-Kaki

What a photogenic persimmon as it is!

The “Kyōshū-no-Kaki” is sold by the brand “Persimmon Specialty” developed by Ishii Bussan Corporation in Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. This candy has a great visual appeal.

Through the packaging, which bears the brand’s logo mark like a family crest, you can faintly see an object that looks like a dried persimmon.

What a persimmon itself! It even has the head of the persimmon attached. It looks as if it had grown on a tree until a moment ago. Unlike most dried persimmons, the color of the persimmon is very bright.

The persimmon used in “Kyōshū-no-Kaki” is a variety called “Horenbo persimmon,” which grows naturally in the Yoshino region of Nara Prefecture and has taken root in the region since ancient times. The Horenbo persimmon is characterized by its long, vertical shape, and is a variety of astringent persimmon with high tannin content.

The inside is stuffed with chestnut paste, and it is not “persimmon as is” but rather made to look like a manju. It reminded me a little of stuffed peppers, but it is a beautiful Japanese confectionery.

The natural sweetness of the persimmon as it is and the rustic sweetness of the chestnut red bean paste make for a very deep and delicious taste. It was a delicious taste that reminded me of the history of Nara and its traditions.