🍡 Hasune-mochi

This is "lotus root stuffed with red and white glutinous rice," where glutinous rice is filled into the holes of lotus root and then steamed. Lotus root is considered an auspicious vegetable for New Year's "Osechi "cuisine due to its holes symbolizing a clear vision of the future. It is known as a specialty in the Kawachi region, with many being cultivated in Kadoma City. Kadoma City has historically been an area with poor drainage, making it unsuitable for rice cultivation. However, lotus roots naturally thrived in this environment. During the Edo period, Kadoma became a major producer of lotus roots, and in some cases, lotus roots were offered as a form of tax instead of rice. In the Taisho era, there were revisions in cultivation methods and varieties, leading to further expansion in cultivation after World War II. It is said that Kadoma's clay soil produces "Kadoma lotus root" with a unique sweet and chewy texture. In recent years, however, the production of Kadoma lotus root has significantly decreased due to factors such as urbanization. The "Hasune-mochi" made with Kadoma lotus root has been an essential dish for celebratory occasions in the local area, traditionally prepared on festive days. This dish, with its auspicious red and white appearance and the delightful chewiness of steamed lotus root, is a delicacy enjoyed on special occasions.