This was the Pine x Domohorn Wrinkle Nodo Ame Lychee, a lychee-flavoured throat candy produced through a collaboration between Pine, a Japanese confectionery maker, and Domohorn Wrinkle, a skincare brand. The formulation included shiranuhi chrysanthemum—a folklore plant found only in the Shiranuhi region of Kumamoto Prefecture—and Changbai ginseng essence, derived from a rare variety of Korean ginseng cultivated for seven years to absorb nutrients from the soil. Its active compound, ginsenoside, is concentrated in the plant’s long, narrow fibrous roots.
Each piece was individually sealed and had an opaque, off-white hue, measuring approximately 1.5 cm in diameter and 0.8 cm in height.
On tasting, the candy began with a gentle sweetness and a thick, smooth mouthfeel. The lychee flavour emerged shortly after, accompanied by a subtle cooling sensation on the tongue typical of chrysanthemum, lending a lightly floral, tropical note. The lychee flavour was noticeable but restrained, offering depth to the overall sweetness without overwhelming it. The characteristic bitterness or earthiness of ginseng was not overtly present, likely integrated into the background to support rather than dominate the profile. The candy dissolved slowly without forming sharp edges, making it comfortable to consume, with the flavour persisting through to the end. Pleasant and distinctive, this was an enjoyable product—worth purchasing regardless of the suggested health benefits.
This Pine x Domohorn Wrinkle Nodo Ame Lychee contained 80 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Fukushima, Japan in 2024.