石川県·和菓子
Morihachi Himuro Manju
A seasonal summer tradition in Kanazawa, these three-colored (white, red, and green) steamed buns are eaten to pray for good health and protection from illness. During the Kaga Clan era, the Maeda family would open an icehouse (himuro) on the 1st day of the 6th month of the lunar calendar and present the snow and ice stored during winter to the Shogun in distant Edo. It is said that Himuro Manju originated from the practice of offering wheat manju to gods and Buddha to ensure the ice arrived safely on its long journey. Morihachi prepares these in three colors: white, red, and green. Today, all Japanese confectionery shops in Kanazawa release them simultaneously on July 1st, known as 'Himuro Day,' when the icehouses were traditionally opened. The custom of distributing them to relatives and neighbors to wish for their health still remains. Please enjoy this treat filled with history and prayer at the start of summer.
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