Interior Content:150g (5.29oz)

KORO GAKI is one of the oldest preserved foods that have been made and eaten for a long time in Japan. It is a confection made from persimmon, a beautiful orange fruit harvested in autumn and winter. This confection is handmade, using traditional methods. You can enjoy the natural, elegant sweetness of persimmon and its unique soft texture. (For more information, visit Have you tried KORO GAKI? page.)

These persimmons are produced in Ujitawara, where Hibiki-an is located. This area is famous for Uji tea, and KORO GAKI have long been made as a side job for tea farmers during the off-season. Our KORO GAKI are made by a farmer who has won many awards at tea competitions.

What makes this confection unique is the fact that it is made using only persimmon, and no other ingredients. The calyx of each persimmon is removed by hand. Then the persimmons are peeled, and carefully arranged on shelves called KAKIYA and dried under the sun for about three weeks. The KAKIYA looks like a big tower with a canopy. The canopy is made of straw and set on a wooden frame, and the floor is made of bamboo. It is assembled by hand by farmers. The size of the KAKIYA depends on how many persimmons will be dried. The size of the KAKIYA where our KORO GAKI are made is huge. It is 10 m (32.8 ft) high, 12 m (39.4 ft) long, and 2.5 m (8.2 ft) wide with 6 layers.

This traditional method of drying persimmons is unique to this region of Japan. No artificial flavors or sweeteners are used, and only the drying process brings out the natural sweetness of the persimmon.

KORO GAKI have been served at tea ceremony since ancient times. They are the perfect snack to enjoy with Japanese tea. Today, KORO GAKI are often served at RYOTEI, luxury restaurants.

Surprisingly, before drying, the persimmons are inedible as they are too astringent. However, through the process of drying, the astringent Tannins are removed and the sweetness is strongly brought out. The white powder on the surface is the persimmon's natural fructose, which has crystallized during drying. Drying not only eliminates bitterness, but also greatly increases dietary fiber, β-carotene, and minerals such as potassium and manganese compared to raw persimmon.

When you try KORO GAKI, its natural and delicate sweetness expands in your mouth, and its plump texture is irresistible. Please enjoy the unique flavor and inviting texture.

Since each bag is 150g, the number of persimmons per package is different.