As cherry blossom season bids a fleeting farewell, the departure of its delightful ephemeral desserts leaves a tinge of sadness among enthusiasts. However, as Japan transitions into its early-summer rainy season, a fresh burst of beauty is on the horizon with the imminent blooming of hydrangeas, known as “ajisai” in Japanese. While not as commonly celebrated in the culinary world as cherry blossoms, Kyoto’s renowned Itokyuehmon defies convention by unveiling a stunning array of hydrangea-inspired delicacies.
With roots dating back 192 years, Itokyuehmon hails from the verdant Kyoto Prefecture town of Uji, renowned for producing Japan’s finest matcha green tea. Leveraging their expertise, Itokyuehmon presents the Matcha Parfait Ice Cream Bars, a visually striking creation that debuted in 2019. However, for 2024, the brand introduces a captivating new rendition in the form of the Matcha Parfait Ice Cream Bar Ajisai, celebrating the allure of hydrangeas for the first time.
While hydrangea petals are unsuitable for culinary use, the Matcha Parfait Ice Cream Bar Ajisai creatively captures the essence of the flower through a blend of delectable ingredients. Featuring a matcha ice cream base complemented by hydrangea-hued kanten (sweet agar gelatin), blueberries, and a tea leaf-shaped matcha cookie, this artisanal treat offers a symphony of flavors reminiscent of a traditional parfait, now reimagined in the form of an ice cream bar, priced at 740 yen.
For aficionados preferring the classic parfait experience served in a glass, Itokyuehmon extends an invitation to its dessert cafes. Here, patrons can relish the annual return of the Ajisai Parfait, accompanied by the Ajisai Minazuki—triangular sweet rice gelatin adorned with sweet red beans—ushering in the essence of the hydrangea season.
