Cherry blossom season is a big ordeal in Japan as the full, beautiful blossom of cherry flowers only lasts about a week each year. Every year, Japan’s cherry blossoms first appear in the southern island of Okinawa in March then move northwards to the northern island of Hokkaido by early May. The Japanese eagerly anticipate the beginning day of blossoms in their region, monitoring daily progress reports on TV, as the dates of the first bloom and full bloom are subject to change due to temperature, winds, and rain.
Cherry Blossom Recipes: Popular Foods to Enjoy
Hanami (花見), or flower viewing, has been a tradition in Japan since as early as the Nara period (710-794), when elite imperial courtiers paused to appreciate the delicate pink sakura. The Japanese have long celebrated the cherry blossom, admiring its beauty by enjoying picnics beneath the blooms and strolling through magnificent tunnels of flowering trees. You might be wondering what are some of the special foods to eat during cherry blossom. And can you eat cherry blossoms? Yes! Cherry blossoms are edible. In fact, we use them in tea, savory food, and sweet desserts. Here are some popular foods you can make and enjoy during hanami, whether you’re in Japan or welcoming spring at home.
1. Hanami Dango
The most popular food associated with cherry blossom season, Hanami Dango, is an iconic tri-color sweet for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. These dumplings are made with sweetened rice flour or sometimes a combination of glutinous rice flour. They are easy to make and have a festive appearance!
2. Inari Sushi
Inari Sushi is sushi rice stuffed in deep-fried, seasoned tofu skin. It is one of the easiest types of sushi, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Absolutely ideal for a picnic lunch or as part of your sushi dinner platter.
3. Mixed Sando (Japanese Mixed Sandwich)
Sandwiches are the classic go-to for family picnics! For your hanami viewing, I recommend making three popular sandwich combos with fillings—tuna salad, tamago (egg salad), and ham and cheese with lettuce.
4. Teriyaki Salmon Onigirazu
Turn your leftover teriyaki salmon and grilled asparagus into a special rice sandwich called onigirazu! Pack it for your bento and head outside to enjoy the blossoms.
5. Cherry Blossom Cookies
Not only are these Cherry Blossom Cookies pretty to look at, but they also taste heavenly. For this recipe, I used cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dough. Shape and chill the cookie dough log in the refrigerator until firm. Bake up a batch in the oven and share the love with your loved ones this season. The crispy and buttery texture, along with the fragrant aroma from the salt-pickled cherry blossoms, is something to savor.
6. Sakura Mochi
Another iconic dessert for cherry blossom viewing is Sakura Mochi. Chewy mochi with anko sweet red bean paste filling is simply delectable! Soak the salted sakura leaves and flowers first to remove the excess salt before using. The aroma of cherry blossom leaves adds to the next level of full spring experience.
7. Cherry Blossom Madeleines
Celebrate the arrival of spring with Cherry Blossom Madeleines! These delightful cakes are buttery, slightly sweet, and salty, with a hint of cherry blossom fragrance. Invite your friends over and enjoy these gorgeous madeleines with green tea.
8. Cherry Blossom Rice Balls
Representing the elegance of the changing season with trees in full bloom, these Cherry Blossom Rice Balls are a perfect dish to bring to a spring picnic!
8. Matcha and Warabi Mochi
Enjoy and relax with authentic Matcha and Warabi Mochi together. This traditional sweet is a chilled, chewy, jelly-like mochi covered with sweet and nutty soybean powder and drizzled with kuromitsu syrup. Green tea is full of antioxidants, and the unique earthy matcha is perfect for this sweet!
10. Chirashi Sushi
Chirashi Sushi is served on happy occasions and at parties in Japan. This bright and colorful dish is made of sushi rice with a variety of vegetables mixed in, and toppings sprinkled over the top.
11. Temari Sushi
Temari Sushi is casual sushi that we can make at home. You don’t need a sushi chef’s skill to make these cute delicious little balls of sushi.
12. Cherry Blossom Milk Pudding
Celebrate the cherry blossom season with this delectable Cherry Blossom Milk Pudding! The soft, silky pudding simply melts in your mouth, and the top cherry blossom jelly/jello layer is sweet and a bit salty, blending perfectly with the milk pudding base.
13. Sushi Cake
Simple Chirashi Sushi Cake with shredded egg, boiled shrimp, and salmon sashimi. Enjoy this savory colorful cake garnished with salmon roe.
14. Futomaki
Futomaki is a traditional thick sushi roll typically filled with vegetables and sometimes includes cooked fish like unagi. It’s perfect finger food for a picnic and packs well in the bento box!
Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing
As my children are getting busier with their school years, it has become challenging for us to find time to travel to Japan to view the cherry blossoms. I miss seeing the sea of pink from my mom’s balcony and simply enjoying the natural beauty. It’s one of the events I look forward to the most in Japan during spring. I hope you get the chance to see Japan’s cherry blossoms in person.
Cherry Blossom Festivals in the US
You can also find various places in the US that celebrate the arrival of spring with cherry blossom festivals. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC is the largest festival in the US. The National Park Service runs the festival from March 20th until April 14th. You can follow this page for all the blossom news and events. Some other cities in the US that celebrate cherry blossom festivals include San Francisco, San Diego, LA, Traverse in Michigan, Nashville, Dallas, and Georgia. Does your city celebrate the cherry blossom festival? Do you have any special rituals or foods that you make as the season arrives? Share with us in the comments below! Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.
