This is the Marunaga On-mochi Series Matcha Shiratama Zenzai, which is from the same lineup as the Mango Suzumi Mochi we enjoyed earlier. It’s an ice cream inspired by matcha shiratama zenzai, a Japanese dessert featuring shiratama dango and azuki paste in a sweet matcha soup.
Each ice cream stick contained 60 mL and was about 6 x 5 x 2 cm in size. It featured a shiratama (made from rice grown in Saga Prefecture) and azuki centre surrounded by matcha ice cream (made from matcha grown Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture).
Bitting through the creamy softness of the matcha exterior, the teeth met firm resistance from the immensely chewy frozen mochi as well as the chunky red bean. The mochi was solely a textural addition, while the red bean was the dominant sweet component that balanced the restrained sweetness in the matcha ice cream, which had a bright grassy flavour with very subtle bitterness and avoided pronounced dairy notes.
While the red bean and mochi component extended only two-thirds of the bar, the contrasting textures of this ice cream stick were delightful, and the remaining one-third provided a good opportunity to enjoy the quality of the matcha ice cream without distraction. Overall, the elegant textures and flavours of this ice cream bar made it worth repurchasing.
This Marunaga On-mochi Series Matcha Shiratama Zenzai contained 6 pieces or 360 mL. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2022.