The Look and Texture of Mochi Ice Cream
Mochi ice cream, sometimes simply called “mochi,” is a special kind of Japanese ice cream whereby the outer and inner layers differ in substance, permitting the consumer to hold the snack in their hand and adding an exotic taste and texture. Typically, mochi ice cream will be round and a few inches in diameter, though slight variations exist. Because of its size and dry outer layer, the Japanese snack is eaten without utensils and is typically consumed in a few bites. Sometimes mochi ice cream is served on a toothpick, but many providers will merely place it in a small bag or cup when sold individually.
The outside of mochi ice cream is made of pounded sticky rice, which has a soft surface and a mildly sweet taste. This part is actually the mochi (mochi may be sold and enjoyed by itself, or may wrap around other treats such as jelly or bean paste) and will usually match the color of the ice cream. In most cases, it tastes and feels like a hard, frozen dough. Within the mochi is the actual ice cream, which is otherwise completely normal.
Mochi Ice Cream Flavors
As Mochi ice cream is a Japanese snack, it sometimes uses more traditional Japanese ice cream and corresponding mochi flavors, such as green tea (which is green on the outside), mango (pale orange), red bean (white), azuki bean (pale pink), Durian (pale yellow), lychee (white), cherry blossom (dull pink), passion fruit (pale orange), and blueberry (pale purple). However, it also comes in traditional western flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, as well as specialty western flavors, such as tiramisu, coffee, and cappuccino, and a laundry list of other fruit flavors.
A Review of Mochi Ice Cream’s Taste
I have personally enjoyed every mochi ice cream I have tried thus far, but some people don’t care for or appreciate particular flavors. Green tea ice cream in general is harder for some Americans to enjoy, and I’ve found a number of my friends disliked the green tea mochi ice cream I have offered them in the past. Some who are less appreciative of Japanese snacks may find the mochi layer a bit unusual or may dislike the texture, but in my experience, people find the new texture a pleasurable oddity. Additionally, because of mochi’s small size and outer layer, it may not be the best option for someone craving American ice cream, or large quantities of ice cream.
WORKS CITED
personal experience