This is the Kurojishi Mizu Mochi La France, a fruit jelly featuring purée made from La France pears, a specialty of Yamagata Prefecture. It is made with natural groundwater drawn from wells in Nagai, more than 45 metres deep. This water, naturally filtered through the Asahi mountain range, is known for its high quality and softness, making it pleasant to drink. The mizu mochi is prepared using this ultra-soft water, with a hardness of just 18 mg/L—a rarity on a national scale.
The mizu mochi measured approximately 6.5 × 6.5 × 4 cm and released easily from its container. It had a translucent off-white to beige hue, with visible flecks of La France pear purée suspended throughout. A gentle, fragrant aroma of ripe La France pear was immediately noticeable on opening.
Mizu mochi in its plain form is characteristically neutral in flavour and soft in texture, typically serving as a vehicle for toppings such as kuromitsu and kinako. In this instance, however, consumed chilled, it served as an ideal base for the pear purée. The purée imparted both structure and depth, giving the mochi a smooth, yielding consistency that melted on the tongue. The inclusion of pear fibres contributed a lightly pulpy texture, creating a contrast that enhanced the overall mouthfeel—slightly thick, soft, and glutinous in a pleasing, cohesive way.
The flavour opened mildly, with a cool and refreshing texture. As the piece broke down in the mouth, the characteristic profile of La France emerged more clearly: honeyed sweetness, floral undertones, and a touch of ripe pear acidity. The balance between the refined sweetness and the subtle aromatic complexity of the fruit gave the dessert a sense of restraint and elegance, never veering into cloying territory.
Overall, this mizu mochi delivered a clean yet satisfying representation of Yamagata’s signature La France pears. It would be worth repurchasing, both for its textural appeal and its nuanced fruit expression. An excellent regional souvenir, and one that encourages exploration of the other fruit variations in the range.
This Kurojishi Mizu Mochi La France contained 190 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Yamagata Prefecture in 2024.