Enjoying the bounty of chestnuts: a delicious autumn addition to your tea ceremony
Chestnuts are an essential flavor at autumn tea ceremonies.
These small fruits, which have long been loved as a fruit of the mountains, are packed with the power of autumn nature.
Did you know that beneath its subtle sweetness and aroma lies a variety of nutrients that help to keep your body in shape?
Chestnuts are rich in starch, which gives them a gentle sweetness, as well as dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and more.
In particular, the vitamin C in chestnuts is wrapped in starch, so it is not easily destroyed by heat, and it remains intact even in steamed chestnuts and chestnut kinton, which are often used at tea ceremonies.
Chestnuts are truly a "fruit that accompanies you at the change of seasons," soothing summer fatigue and preparing the body for winter.
In the tea ceremony, sweets are not just a sweet addition, but an important part of the tea ceremony that reflects the season and the spirit.
The chestnut sweets that appear at autumn tea ceremonies each have their own meaning and beauty.
For example, chestnut kinton, a specialty of Nakatsugawa and Ena in Gifu, has a simple yet elegant taste, made from just chestnuts and sugar.
When combined with the deep bitterness of thick tea, the natural sweetness stands out even more, creating a gentle harmony on the tongue.
In addition, "Inoko Mochi," which is used for the hearth opening ceremony in November, is also known as an auspicious sweet made with chestnuts and red beans.
The shape of this bowl, which prays for good health and a bountiful harvest, is filled with gratitude for the season of fire and pure prayers for the new tea year.
The chestnuts enjoyed at tea ceremonies at this time of year are not only delicious, but also connect the three emotions of gratitude, organization, and prayer.
From a nutritional perspective, the dietary fiber in chestnuts regulates the intestines, and the potassium helps balance the salt levels in the body.
It is also rich in iron, copper, and B vitamins, and acts as a natural supplement that energizes you during the cold seasons.
Above all, a single chestnut quietly enjoyed during a tea ceremony embodies gratitude for the cycle of nature.
The spirit of "harmony, respect, purity and tranquility" that is so important in the tea ceremony is alive and well in the delicious flavor of chestnuts.
Chestnut sweets, perfect for a relaxing autumn break, are not only delicious but also have a gentle effect on the body and mind.
Enjoying the bounty of nature in its natural form may be the most luxurious way to stay healthy.
Listen to the sound of the water and enjoy the sweet, fluffy taste of the chestnuts.
It is a moment of Zen, where you quietly harmonize with the seasons.