Daifuku are a Japanese confection where small, soft mochi rice cake is stuffed with a sweet filling, usually a sweetened red bean paste called anko. While there are many well-known variations of daifuku, such as the strawberry-filled ichigo daifuku, I recently came across an unfamiliar variation during a business trip to Fukuoka: small tomato daifuku.

As the name suggests, small tomato daifuku consists of a whole cherry tomato wrapped inside a soft mochi shell. The tomatoes used are a breed from Tokushima called furutika.

Strangely enough, many people actually living in Fukuoka seem to be unaware of this daifuku as it is predominantly sold in souvenir shops.

I found out about it myself after spotting an advertisement in the Fukuoka subway and decided to do a taste test. I bought a single piece, and upon biting into it a fruity blend of sweet and sour flowed blissfully through my mouth. It was so good that for a second I even thought that this may win over ichigo daifuku.

Anyone who has tried fresh ichigo daifuku knows how bold of a statement that is.

Without hesitation, I purchased several boxes to bring back to family and friends as a souvenir instead of the typical mentaiko that Fukoka is famous for.

Small tomato daifuku is available from April 6 to early June and can be purchased at souvenir stalls in the Fukuoka airport or at train stations around the prefecture.

If you happen to be in Fukuoka within the next week or so I highly recommend trying one for yourself, but please note that the best-before date is very short so you may want to wait until the end of your trip to pick up a box.

Product Name: Chiisa na Tomato Daifuku (Small Tomato Daifuku)
Price: 800 yen (4 pc), 1160 yen (6 pc)
Available From: April 4 to early June

Original article: Yakko