🍱 Sasamaki

“Sasamaki “is made by soaking and draining Glutinous rice, wrapping it in Bamboo leaves, tying a string around it, and boiling it in hot water. In other prefectures, it is also called "Chimaki. Bamboo leaves are said to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and have long been used to wrap preserved and portable foods. In Yamagata Prefecture, Rice cakes are often pounded to make and eaten throughout the year, not only for New Year's Eve and New Year's, but also for festivals and celebrations. While this type of Rice cake culture is not unusual in a rice-producing region, "Sasamaki," in which Glutinous rice is used in its whole grain form, and "Sasamaki," boiled in lye water, as made in the southern part of Tsuruoka City, are known as rare local foods. There is a theory that "Sasamaki," boiled in Lye water, was introduced as a preserved food after the Boshin War (1868-1868). “Sasamaki “is especially offered on the Boys' Festival on May 5, and has been eaten in every household along with "Kashiwa Mochi," and other foods to wish for the health and vigorous growth of children.