censais

Censais is a term that refers to a type of traditional Japanese confectionery, specifically a type of wagashi, which is a category of Japanese sweets. The term "censai" translates to "three flavors," and indeed, these sweets are known for their combination of three distinct flavors: sweet, salty, and bitter. This unique flavor profile is achieved through the use of ingredients such as kinako (roasted soybean flour), kurozuke (fermented soybeans), and matcha (powdered green tea).

Censais are typically made by mixing these ingredients with rice flour and water to create a dough, which is then shaped into small, round balls. These balls are then coated in kinako, giving them a sweet and slightly nutty exterior. The interior of the censai is where the salty and bitter flavors come from, with kurozuke providing the saltiness and matcha contributing the bitterness.

Censais are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, and their unique flavor profile has made them a popular choice among both Japanese and international audiences. They are also a popular gift item, often wrapped in traditional Japanese wrapping paper and presented in a small box.

The history of censais is not well-documented, but they are believed to have originated in the Edo period (1603-1868), a time when wagashi were popular among the upper classes. Today, censais can be found in traditional Japanese sweets shops, or wagashiya, as well as in some modern confectioneries.