What is "Fruit Sandwich"?
A fruit sandwich is a delightful treat of fresh fruits and whipped cream sandwiched between slices of bread.
It's commonly made with soft, fluffy white bread.
The filling can include a variety of fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, melon, and peaches.
The combination of the natural sweetness of the fruits and the smooth cream creates a delectable taste that many find irresistable.
This type of sandwich is also visually appealing, which is one reason why it has become so popular, so much so that it’s often the top item at cafes and dessert shops.
Customers often share pictures on social media, cutting into it to highlight a cross section of the colorful fruits layered inside.
The origin of the fruit sandwich in Japan dates back to the Taisho era.
It was conceived as a dessert using fruits during a time when Western cuisine was gaining popularity.
Initially, it was served in high-end fruit stores and department store cafes, becoming especially popular among women.
Recently, fruit sandwiches featuring regional fruits have become more widespread, with a array of flavors.
What is "Fruit Daifuku"?
Fruit daifuku is a traditional Japanese confection that combines daifuku (a sweet treat made of a chewy rice dough filled with sweet red bean paste) and fresh fruits.
Inside the daifuku, you'll often find fruits paired with sweet red bean paste or cream.
One of the most popular varieties is strawberry daifuku, which is well-known throughout Japan.
Other seasonal fruits such as mandarin oranges, kiwi, and peaches are also used.
These fruit daifuku offer a unique taste experience, blending the tartness of the fruits with the sweetness of the red bean paste or cream.
The colorful and beautiful appearance of fruit daifuku makes it a popular choice for gifts and special treats.
Recently, new styles of fruit daifuku that combine traditional red bean paste with cream have been introduced.
Many people cut into the treats to reveal the fresh fruits inside and take pictures to post on social media.
Types of Fruit Sandwiches and Fruit Daifuku
Fruit sandwiches feature a variety of fruits.
Let's explore some of the fruits commonly used.
Strawberry
A classic choice, strawberry fruit sandwiches are beloved for the taste of fresh strawberries and creamy filling.
The sweet and tart flavors of the strawberries blend perfectly with the sweetness of the cream, making this a favorite among many people.
Muscat Grapes
Muscat grape sandwiches, particularly those made with Shine Muscat grapes, are quite popular.
These grapes have a firm flesh and a well-balanced sweetness and tartness, offering both a satisfying texture and taste.
Orange
Orange fruit sandwiches are known for their refreshing tartness and sweetness.
The juicy flesh of the orange adds a vibrant color to the sandwich.
The tartness of the orange complements the sweetness of the cream to create a well-balanced flavor.
Fried Fruit Sandwiches
Recently, fried fruit sandwiches have started to trend.
These sandwiches feature a crispy exterior with a delicious combination of cream and fruit inside.
They’re visually appealing and offer a new twist on the traditional fruit sandwich.
Next, let's look at the fruits used in fruit daifuku.
Strawberry
Strawberry daifuku is the most popular type and known for having a sweet and tart flavor.
The combination of the tart strawberry and the sweet red bean paste is a perfect match.
In recent years, some strawberry daifuku have been introduced that have strawberries peeking out instead of being fully wrapped in the dough.
Even traditional Japanese confectionery shops that don’t sell other fruit daifuku often have strawberry daifuku.
Kiwi
Kiwi daifuku combines the tartness of kiwi with the sweetness of red bean paste or cream.
This fresh flavor has become a hit among Japanese consumers.
Mandarin Orange
Mandarin orange daifuku features this juicy citrus fruit with the peel removed.
As mandarin oranges have a high water content, producers need to be extra careful in ensuring that the moisture doesn’t affect the texture of the rice dough or red bean paste.
White bean paste is often used in these daifuku to complement the citrus flavor.
How to Enjoy Fruit Sandwiches and Fruit Daifuku
Let’s explore how to enjoy fruit sandwiches.
1. Unwrap the Sandwich
Carefully unwrap the fruit sandwich to prevent it from breaking apart.
2. Cut the Sandwich into Smaller Pieces
If you have a knife, cut the sandwich into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Handle it with care to keep the contents from spilling out, although you can skip this step if you prefer.
3. Eat with Your Hands
Fruit sandwiches contain a lot of cream, which can cause a mess
If you want to avoid that, use a fork and knife.
Now, let’s move on to how to enjoy fruit daifuku.
1. Serve at Room Temperature or Chilled
Depending on your preference, you can let the fruit daifuku sit at room temperature for a while to soften the mochi, which will enhance the flavor of the sweet bean paste. Alternatively, enjoy it chilled, which makes it especially refreshing in summer.
2. Unwrap the Daifuku
Remove any plastic wrapping before eating.
3. Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces
Use a knife to cut the daifuku into bite-sized pieces.
Sometimes, fruit daifuku comes with a string for cutting.
If so, wrap the string around the daifuku, hold both ends, and pull to slice.
This way, you can reveal the beautiful cross-section, perfect for your photos to upload on Instagram and other social media.
