Iwate Local Cuisine: Ganzuki

Alright, let’s dive into a sweet treat from Iwate Prefecture – Ganzuki! It’s a kind of steamed cake that’s been a local favorite for ages. The name itself has a cool story, and it’s the perfect snack to keep you going, whether you’re working hard or just chilling out.

Dish Name: Ganzuki / がんづき

• Region / Location: Mainly in the southern part of Iwate Prefecture, but enjoyed throughout the prefecture.
• Primary Area of Tradition: Southern Iwate Prefecture.
• Main Ingredients: Wheat flour, sugar, baking soda, vinegar, walnuts, and sesame seeds.

How It’s Eaten / Served

Ganzuki is a steamed cake made with wheat flour, sugar, and eggs, and it gets its rise from baking soda and vinegar. It’s got a chewy texture and a simple, comforting flavor, often with walnuts and sesame seeds mixed in. Because it’s quite filling, it’s traditionally been enjoyed as a snack during farm work or just as a regular treat. You’ll find two main types: “Kuro-ganzuki” which uses brown sugar and has a dark color, and “Shiro-ganzuki” which uses white sugar.

Cultural Background and Preservation

The name “Ganzuki” is said to come from the round shape of the cake and the sesame seeds on top, which are thought to resemble geese flying towards the full moon. It’s a local snack that’s been around for a long time, perfect for a quick energy boost during farm work or as an everyday treat. While it’s popular in Iwate, you can also find it in Miyagi Prefecture.

To make it, you mix wheat flour, eggs, baking soda, and sugar, then add walnuts and sesame seeds before steaming. Like I mentioned, there are brown versions with brown sugar and white versions with white sugar and milk. Some folks also like to add finely chopped boiled rapeseed or grated carrots, depending on the region or their family’s recipe.

You can find Ganzuki made at home, sold in supermarkets, local sweet shops, and at farmers’ markets. Local confectionery makers even produce “Yaki-ganzuki,” which is baked instead of steamed. And it’s cool to see that local junior high schools teach students how to make Ganzuki in their home economics classes, keeping the tradition alive.

Additional information:

• Kuro-ganzuki (黒がんづき): Ganzuki made with brown sugar.
• Shiro-ganzuki (白がんづき): Ganzuki made with white sugar and milk.
• Kobiru (小昼): A Japanese term for a snack eaten between meals, often during farm work.