🍡 Notamochi

“Notamochi” is a local dish eaten in the Suwa and Kamiina regions. The “nota” in “notamochi” is made by boiling edamame beans, grinding them with a mortar and pestle, and adding sugar and salt. It is similar to Miyagi Prefecture's "zundamochi", made by spreading "nota" (edamame bean paste) over half pounded rice. Made in every home, this dish is traditional for the O-Bon festival and fall offerings in the Suwa area. In the Kamiina, it is also called "jindamochi”. In Suwa, edamame is also called "bonmame" and was grown in the paths between rice paddies. During the O-Bon Festival, rice cakes made with edamame paste, or sesame seed paste were offered to Buddha. The vibrant green pleases the eyes, and the sweet aroma of the edamame fills the mouth.