Wagashi

Wagashi

Hotaru (firefly) wagashi
Type	Confectionery
Place of origin	Japan

Wagashi (, wa-gashi^?) are traditional Japanese confections that are often served with tea, especially the types made of mochi, anko (azuki bean paste), and fruits. Wagashi are typically made from plant ingredients.

In Japan the word for sweets, kashi (菓子^?), originally referred to fruits and nuts.China learned from India how to produce sugar and began trading it to Japan. The trade increased and sugar became a common seasoning by the end of the Muromachi period. Influenced by the introduction of tea and China's confectionery and dim sum, the creation of wagashi took off during the Edo period in Japan.

Wagashi are classified according to the production method and moisture content. Moisture content is very important, since it affects shelf life.