Sakura (cherry blossom)

Prunus serrulata, P. speciosa

flower · leaf

Cherry blossoms and leaves preserved in salt: the flowers are steeped (sakurayu) and mochi is wrapped in the leaves.

Origin

Japan

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

Rinsed, since they are salted. The leaves provide coumarin: no worry for a mochi, but not in large amounts every day.

Did you know?

Sakuramochi's scent comes from the coumarin in the salted leaves, the same as in tonka beans.