🍱 Tansan manju

Gunma is an area of rich mountain ranges, so rich that 100 mountains have been selected as "Gunma Hyakumeizan" (Gunma's 100 Famous Mountains). The soil is often composed of volcanic ash and other volcanic eruptions, making it well drained and suitable for crop production. In addition, the long hours of sunlight in winter make it easy to grow wheat, which is used to make many local dishes. One of them is soda manju, which is made with wheat flour dough, filled with red bean paste, and steamed. Baking soda is added to the dough, giving it a sweet and slightly bitter taste. Unlike today, when a variety of delicious sweets are available, sweet foods were very scarce in the past. Under such circumstances, the sweet and tasty soda manju made with precious sugar was loved as a special treat. It is sometimes called "Fukashi manju" or "countryside manju.