Korimochi - Korimochi

One of the specialties of Shinshu (Nagano prefecture). It is also called "frozen mochi." The mochi is liquefied and frozen in the bitter cold, then left to dry naturally for over 10 days. When ready to eat, pour boiling water over it and add sugar. It has been around since the early Kamakura period and was also called "yukimochi." It seems that samurai ate it as is as rations while in battle. Even in the Edo period, the Suwa domain made korimochi their official ration in case of emergency. It is more like a staple food than a sweet, and is also used for feeding sick people and as baby food. Korimochi is also made in Iwate prefecture and other parts of the Tohoku region.

[Fumio Sawa]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

信州（長野県）名物の一つ。凍(し)み餅ともいう。餅を液状にして厳寒のもとで凍らせ、十数日をかけて自然乾燥させる。食するときは熱湯をかけ、砂糖を加える。鎌倉初期からあり、雪餅(ゆきもち)とも称した。武士は陣中の糧食としてそのまま食べたものらしい。江戸時代になっても、非常時に備えて、諏訪(すわ)藩は氷餅を御糧菓としていた。菓子というより主食に近く、病人食や離乳食にも用いられる。氷餅は岩手県など東北地方でもつくられる。

［沢　史生］

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