Satsumaimo (Sweet Potato)

The simple sweetness of the sweet potato and the aroma of Nikki give it a Kyoto-like flavor.

The “Sweet Potato” made by Sasaya Ior, a long-established Japanese confectionery established in 1716 in Kyoto, is a sweet potato made from sweet potato bean paste wrapped in a dough dusted with Nikki (cinnamon). Simplified the confectionary name though, the flavor of Nikki (cinnamon) is unique.

Japanese paper is used for the package and sweet potato ivy and the leaves are prited on it.

The color and shape are reminiscent of a baked sweet potato, and Nikki (cinnamon) is sprinkled around it. Likewise the Yatsuhashi, sweets from Kyoto are often associated with the use of nikki.

A sweet potato bean paste is filled in and it is fluffy texture, like a miniature sweet potato.

It represents the flavor of the ingredients as it is and Kyoto’s originality as well while the nikki is added on, very admire their creativity.  This is available only for a couple of months from fall to winter.  The natural sweetness and the distinctive flavor of nikki go well together.