Suizenji

Suizenji is a type of wagashi, a traditional Japanese confectionery. It is a type of nerikiri, which is a moist, smooth sweet made from white bean paste, gyuhi (a type of mochi), and sugar. Nerikiri are often intricately shaped and colored to represent seasonal motifs, such as flowers, fruits, or landscapes. Suizenji specifically refers to a nerikiri that is molded into the shape of a Japanese iris, which blooms in early summer. The name "Suizenji" is derived from the Suizen-ji Jojuen garden in Kumamoto, Japan, which is famous for its beautiful iris flowers. The wagashi is typically made with delicate colors to mimic the natural hues of the iris petals, often featuring shades of purple, blue, or white. It is a popular confection enjoyed during the iris viewing season and is appreciated for both its aesthetic appeal and its subtle sweetness. The texture of suizenji is soft and yielding, dissolving pleasantly in the mouth. It is often served with green tea as part of a traditional tea ceremony or as a seasonal treat.