kukkaisa
Kukkaisa is a traditional Japanese confectionery made from agar-agar, a type of seaweed-derived gelling agent. It is often referred to as "kukka" in Japanese, which translates to "flower" in English. The name "kukkaisa" is a combination of "kukka" and "sa," which means "sweet" or "sugar." Kukkaisa is typically made by boiling agar-agar with sugar and water, then pouring the mixture into molds to create a jelly-like texture. Once set, the agar-agar is cut into small cubes or other shapes, and often flavored with fruits, nuts, or other ingredients. Kukkaisa is a popular dessert in Japan, often enjoyed as a refreshing treat during the hot summer months. It is also a common ingredient in Japanese confectioneries and sweets, such as mochi and daifuku. Kukkaisa is typically served chilled and can be found in various forms, including plain, flavored, and even in the form of candies and lollipops.