Mochi is a popular Japanese rice cake made using short-grain japonica glutinous rice. It can also include a lot of other ingredients such as sugar and cornstarch.
If you are a mochi lover and you want to learn about different types of mochi that you can try, then you are at the right place. We are going to share with you some of the most popular variations of this rice cake that you can find out there.
You might not find all these variations outside Japan, but if it is still worth knowing in case you ever make the plan to visit Japan sometime in the future.
So, let's get started and talk about the popular types of mochi that you need to try
Peanut is the traditional Taiwanese mochi that is made from glutinous rice flour and peanut filling. This type of mochi is known for its distinct taste and the health benefits that it has to offer.
Peanut Mochi is generally quite inexpensive. It is easily available on various online shops that offer Asian groceries. Peanut mochi is known for its impact on reducing the risk of diseases and increasing energy levels. And the best part is, peanut mochi tastes quite amazing.
2. Daifuku
The difference between Daifuku and other types of mochi is that it is quite soft. The texture is softer than most types of mochi and it comes filled with ingredients most commonly the red bean paste.
There are further different variations of Daifuku that you can also find in Japan. The most common variation is the Ichigo Daifuku. This type of mochi looks elegant and tastes even better than it looks.
3. Sakura Mochi
Sakura mochi is one of the most selling types of mochi in Japan. The sellers in Japan start selling this mochi in the Spring. The difference between this mochi and the traditional mochi is that the Sakura mochi's texture is stickier and sweeter.
It comes wrapped in the leaf that you can also eat along with the mochi. This type of mochi tastes a little bit salty but that adds to the taste, instead of making it weird. This type of mochi also comes filled with a filling, generally of the red bean paste.
4. Kusa Mochi
Kusa Mochi is also commonly known as the Yomogi mochi. The term kusa mochi means the grass mochi. It has been named this way probably because the texture and the appearance of the mochi give off the feel of grass.
This type of mochi is made with the Japanese mugswort which is responsible for the green texture and the leafy flavor that it has. It is often presented while filled with red bean paste. Kusa mochi is most commonly served in the time of spring.
5. Bota Mochi
Bota mochi is unique in that it is kind of like a reversed Daifuku. It looks and tastes amazing, just like other types of mochi. The Bota mochi is a filling that is done with firm red beans paste.
This is different than the Daifuku mochi as the Daifuku mochi is filled with red bean paste. The recipe for the Bota mochi though is simple, it is an art that not everyone can make.
6. Hanabira Mochi
Just like with other types of mochi, the Hanabira mochi is associated with a specific time of the year. This type of mochi is generally served during the beginning of the new year.
This type of mochi appears flat and is supposed to look like a flower petal. This type of mochi is filled with the red beans paste and a tiny little piece of burdock root. Hanabira mochi is not quite common and is mostly available in the markets in Japan.
Wrapping Up
These are just some of the popular variations of mochi you can find in or outside Japan. There are many other options out there, but the ones that we have talked about here are a must for mochi lovers. So, try out the different types of mochi we have talked about here, and feel free to share your opinion with us about these variations.