Sweet beans jelly is called “yokan” in Japanese. It’s one of the traditional Japanese sweets and is very popular in Japan. The main ingredients are sweet red bean paste, sugar, and agar. For more detailed information about sweet red bean paste, please read the article linked here!
Yokan is sweet. It has a sweetness that’s different from cakes or pies. People who say they don’t like sweet things might find yokan’s sweetness a bit overwhelming.
In terms of texture, it can be described as a dense jelly. It’s soft but has a rich flavor. It’s recommended to enjoy yokan with Japanese green tea.
There are broadly three types of yokan:
Neri-yokan: This is the most common type of yokan. It’s sold in convenience stores and supermarkets, and it has a long shelf life, ranging from one month to one year depending on the product. Because of this, it’s often purchased as a souvenir.
Mushi-yokan: Mushi-yokan is less sweet than neri-yokan. It uses less sugar and substitutes wheat flour or kudzu starch for agar. Because it has less sugar, its shelf life is shorter than neri-yokan. For those who love sweet red bean paste, mushi-yokan might be preferred. It has a chewy texture. “Kuri-yokan,” which contains chestnuts inside, is a popular variation of mushi-yokan, and many mushi-yokan varieties include chestnuts.
Mizu-yokan: Unlike neri-yokan, mizu-yokan has less agar and more water content, giving it a jelly-like texture and a refreshing taste. Its shelf life varies, ranging from a few days to several months. Be cautious when buying it as a souvenir, as some varieties may have a shorter shelf life.
I introduced the three types of yokan above, but there are also various flavors available such as matcha and black syrup. You can purchase all three types at convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan. Neri-yokan is the most commonly available and is stocked in many stores.
If you’re looking to purchase something a bit more upscale, I recommend department store basements! And of course, traditional Japanese sweet shops are another great option! Check out this article about department store basements!
For neri-yokan specifically, Toraya is very famous. Take a look at their English website! Their products are available at stores and department store basements.
Since yokan might be a hit or miss for some, how about you? Are you up for the challenge? Give it a try!