As you know, I create most of my recipes with inspiration from my mother’s cooking, reader requests, or dining while traveling. Today’s recipe is quite unusual, as it‘s the first one inspired by cutlery—special Japanese strawberry-shaped spoons, to be specific! When I found these spoons at my family home in Japan, I knew I had to bring them back to the US and share them with you. So, here we are! Today’s post is about this unique cutlery born in Japan with the bonus of a simple and nostalgic dessert recipe.
What is a Strawberry Spoon?
The strawberry-shaped spoons are called ichigo spoon (イチゴスプーン) and were invented in 1960 (Showa 35) in Japan. At that time, strawberries were trending in Japan. Imported strawberries were quite sour, so people mashed them with a teaspoon, sweetened them with sugar, and stirred in milk to make the tart berries more palatable. However, the rounded bowl of a teaspoon was not optimal for mashing this fruit. Hence, the strawberry spoon was invented! What makes it a strawberry spoon?
Spork shape: This special utensil is actually a spork, with short tines at the tip that help you spear and cut the fruit. Flat bottom: The bottom of the spoon bowl is flat, making it easier to press and smash the strawberries. “Seed” texture: The flat bottom is textured with dots that look like strawberry seeds to help you get a better grip on the berries. Strawberry tops imprint: Sometimes, the spoon bowl is even decorated with a strawberry tops motif to resemble the fruit.
As Japanese farmers started growing strawberries domestically, consumers could get sweeter strawberries. This means it was no longer necessary to add milk and sugar, and strawberry spoons eventually became less common in Japanese households. Despite this, the “strawberries-and-cream” pairing remains a timeless classic that the Japanese enjoy to this day. This simplest of recipes makes a healthy after-school snack or easy dessert!
Ingredients for This Recipe
Strawberries – Select sweet, ripe, and medium-firm fresh strawberries. I found strawberries imported from Korea at my local H-Mart (Korean supermarket). They look quite similar to Japanese strawberries and taste alike, too. These are slightly smaller, less sour, and have more strawberry flavor than American strawberries. Milk – You can use any type, including plant-based milk. Sugar – Optional, and you can skip it if your strawberries are sweet enough.
How to Make Japanese Strawberry Milk
Other Delicious Strawberry Recipes
Japanese Strawberry Shortcake Chocolate Covered Strawberries Strawberry Mochi (Ichigo Daifuku)
