Yōkan

Yokan (Japanese羊羹alsoようかん) is a sweet ( wagashi) of Japanese cuisine. It originated during the Edo period when sugar was widespread in Japan. It is also used as a gift.

Yokan is made from agar - agar (Japanese called edges ), sugar and ground adzuki beans produced. The components are mixed with water, then heated and poured into a mold, where the mass then solidifies on cooling. Most of it rectangular blocks are cut. The food is about a week long shelf life.

Yokan is available in different variations. Popular is primarily in cherry blossom time Sakuraan - Yokan. This is not made from Anko, but from a paste of white beans that results combined with pickled cherry leaves and red coloring Sakuraan, which is extensively used in the cherry blossom season. Furthermore, there is yokan, which is produced from sweet potato.