During spring, the beautiful cherry tree blossoms into a sea of pink. For cherry blossom viewing (Hanami), make these popular spring-theme recipes and go picnic under cherry trees!
Cherry blossom season is a big ordeal in Japan as the full, beautiful blossom of cherry flowers only lasts about a week each year.
Every year, Japan’s cherry blossoms first appear in the southern island of Okinawa in March then move northwards to the northern island of Hokkaido by early May.
The Japanese eagerly anticipate the beginning day of blossoms in their region, monitoring daily progress reports on TV, as the dates of the first bloom and full bloom are subject to change due to temperature, winds, and rain.
Cherry Blossom Recipes: Popular Foods to Enjoy
Hanami (花見), or flower viewing, has been a tradition in Japan since as early as the Nara period (710-794), when elite imperial courtiers paused to appreciate the delicate pink sakura.
The Japanese have long celebrated the cherry blossom, admiring its beauty by enjoying picnics beneath the blooms and strolling through magnificent tunnels of flowering trees.
You might be wondering what are some of the special foods to eat during cherry blossom. And can you eat cherry blossoms? Yes! Cherry blossoms are edible. In fact, we use them in tea, savory food, and sweet desserts.
These ediblecherry blossoms are one of the key feature ingredients in many spring-themed savory or sweet foods in Japan. They are pickled in ume plum vinegar to yield a natural sakura pink.
Here are some popular foods you can make and enjoy during hanami, whether you’re in Japan or welcoming spring at home.
Inari Sushi is a classic sushi made by filling sweet and savory deep-fried tofu pockets with seasoned vinegared rice. Easy to make at home, it’s perfect as a snack, a picnic treat, or part of a sushi dinner spread.
Chewy skewered dumplings in three springtime colors, Hanami Dango, are made from rice flour and glutinous rice flour. Lightly sweet and delightfully festive, these traditional Japanese treats are a favorite snack for enjoying under the cherry blossoms.
Sandwiches are a go-to for family picnics! For hanami viewing, I recommend making three popular fillings: tuna salad, tamago (egg salad), and ham and cheese with crisp lettuce. They are easy to make and perfect for enjoying under the cherry blossoms.
Turn your leftover teriyaki salmon and grilled asparagus into a special rice sandwich called onigirazu! Pack it in your bento and head outside to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Not only are these Cherry Blossom Cookies pretty to look at, but they also taste heavenly. For this recipe, I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a more delicate texture. Shape and chill the cookie dough log in the refrigerator until firm.Bake up a batch and share the love this season. The crispy, buttery texture, paired with the fragrant aroma of salt-pickled cherry blossoms, is truly something to savor.
Another iconic dessert for cherry blossom viewing is Sakura Mochi. Chewy mochi filled with sweet red bean paste is simply delectable. Be sure to soak the salted sakura leaves and flowers first to remove excess salt before using. The aroma of cherry blossom leaves takes the spring experience to the next level.
High in antioxidants, Matcha green tea offers many great health benefits and calming effects. Drinking this beloved Japanese tea could be your new morning routine. Learn how to make a perfect cup of Matcha (Japanese Green Tea) at home!
Celebrate the arrival of spring with Cherry Blossom Madeleines! These delightful cookies are buttery, slightly sweet and salty, with a hint of cherry blossom’s fragrance. Invite your friends over and enjoy these gorgeous madeleines with green tea.
Warabi Mochi is a chilled, chewy, jelly-like treat made from bracken starch. Dusted with nutty roasted soybean flour and drizzled with kuromitsu syrup, this Japanese confection makes a beautiful and refreshing snack or dessert to enjoy with matcha.
Chirashi Sushi is served on happy occasions and at parties in Japan. This bright, colorful dish is made with sushi rice mixed with a variety of vegetables and finished with an assortment of toppings sprinkled over the top.
Celebrate happy occasions with these colorful ball-shaped Temari Sushi! They‘re easily the prettiest sushi you can make at home. They make the perfect sushi to serve if you're hosting a party or potluck.
Learn how to make Futomaki or Maki Sushi, a traditional thick sushi roll filled with colorful ingredients. You can make this delicious and beloved sushi ahead of time and pack it for picnics, potlucks, and celebrations.
Made with fluffy Japanese rice, chopped pickled plums, and sesame seeds, these Plum Rice Balls are THE BEST THING for a picnic and potluck! It‘s hard not to fall in love with the savory, tangy, and nutty flavor of these onigiri.
Our family‘s favorite rice ball combination is Salmon and Shio Kombu Onigiri. For this Japanese bento classic, I use salmon flakes for savory protein and salted kelp strips for their deep briny flavor. I also mix in refreshing shiso and myoga ginger along with crunchy toasted sesame seeds. It‘s a delicious umami flavor bomb that‘s perfect for lunch at home, work, school, or a picnic.
As my children are getting busier with their school years, it has become challenging for us to find time to travel to Japan to view the cherry blossoms. I miss seeing the sea of pink from my mom’s balcony and simply enjoying the natural beauty. It’s one of the events I look forward to the most in Japan during spring. I hope you get the chance to see Japan’s cherry blossoms in person.
Cherry Blossom Festivals in the US
You can also find various places in the US that celebrate the arrival of spring with cherry blossom festivals. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC is the largest festival in the US. The National Park Service runs the festival from March 20th until April 14th. You can follow this page for all the blossom news and events.
Does your city celebrate the cherry blossom festival? Do you have any special rituals or foods that you make as the season arrives? Share with usin the comments below!
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