A summer tradition, the world of shaved ice! Introducing delicious recipes and recommended equipment

Introduction

Cold shaved ice is something you crave on a hot summer day. The fluffy texture of the ice melting on your tongue, combined with the sweet syrup, is a true summer treat. However, the appeal of shaved ice goes beyond just being fluffy. It's actually a complex world where completely different flavors and ways of enjoying it can be created depending on how the ice is shaved, the type of ice, and the choice of syrup

This time, we will explore the history of shaved ice, which dates back to the Heian period, and share all the charms of shaved ice, from the ice knowledge essential for making delicious shaved ice to shaved ice machines and authentic syrups that you can use at home. Why not try enjoying the exquisitely cool experience that has been loved for over a thousand years in the comfort of your own home?

The history and cultural background of shaved ice

An elegant ice culture that has continued since the Heian period

The history of shaved ice is older than you might think, and it was already being enjoyed by the upper classes in the mid-Heian period. The oldest known description of shaved ice can be found in Sei Shonagon's "The Pillow Book."

"It's a delicious treat. (Omitted) It's shaved ice with sweet red onions, served in a new golden bowl."

This sentence can be translated into modern Japanese as "something elegant. Shaved ice topped with sweet syrup and served in a new metal bowl." Sei Shonagon recorded that finely shaved ice topped with sweet syrup was very elegant and refined

The height of luxury: shaved ice enjoyed by Heian aristocrats

Ice was not as readily available back then as it is today. During the winter, ice was frozen in a pond using meltwater and the natural cold air, then transported to an underground storage facility called an icehouse. The ice was then laid out on top of a layer of bracken stalks or thatch, and the whole thing was then covered for storage, making it a very time-consuming process

This kind of precious, high-quality ice was brought to nobles in the summer, where they would hold it in the palm of their hands to cool down or shave it off and eat it. Around the mid-Heian period, sweet condiments were also very valuable, and honey, starch syrup, and sweet potato were foods that only those of noble status could eat

Shaved ice, made by pouring precious syrup over high-quality ice, was a treat that only a limited number of aristocrats at the time could enjoy

The true identity of the mysterious sweetener "Amazura"

The "amazura" mentioned by Sei Shonagon is thought to be the sap of a vine or the juice of the sweet tea vine, but it is still unclear to this day which plant she was referring to. For many years, many people have wondered what shaved ice made with this mysterious sweetener would have tasted like

In recent years, a leading researcher in Japanese food culture has recreated the original syrup made with sweet potato vines. Made by crushing and boiling sweet potato vines, the syrup has a slight earthy aroma, but also a subtle, gentle sweetness. When you sip it with ice, the distinctive aroma of the root vegetable spreads first, followed by an impressive natural sweetness that lingers on your tongue

It was recreated with a slightly stronger flavor so that modern people would find it delicious, but it is believed that the aristocrats of the time ate a lighter flavor. For the people of the Heian period, who rarely had the opportunity to eat sweet things, it would still have tasted like a rich, sweet syrup

Basic knowledge of ice for making fluffy shaved ice

The type of ice determines the texture

The most important thing when making delicious shaved ice is choosing the right ice. It is difficult to achieve the ideal fluffy texture with "loose ice" made in a home ice maker. For authentic shaved ice, special ice called "natural ice" or "pure ice" is used

Characteristics and Appeal of Natural IceNatural ice is made in outdoor ice-making ponds, taking advantage of the harsh natural winter environment. By freezing slowly over time under harsh conditions that are influenced by temperature and climate, ice with a high density is created that does not melt easily. This precious ice can truly be called a "blessing of winter," and the special taste that is the result of the effort and time it takes is exceptional.

It takes a lot of time and effort to make natural ice. Because it depends on the natural cold, in warm winters it may not be possible to make ice thick enough, making it difficult to maintain the same quality every year. However, this is precisely why natural ice has a special quality that cannot be found anywhere else

The appeal and practicality of pure ice : Pure ice is made using pure water over a long period of time, from 48 to 72 hours. The manufacturing method and time vary depending on the manufacturer, but it is generally 48 hours, with some manufacturers taking 60 or 72 hours.

Pure ice is easier to obtain and has consistent quality compared to natural ice, so it is recommended when starting to make shaved ice at home. Both types of ice are much denser than regular ice and have a beautiful transparency

What are the best ice conditions?

The temperature of the ice is extremely important for making fluffy shaved ice. If you use hard-rock ice straight out of the freezer, it will have a crunchy texture when you shave it. Also, be careful not to use ice that is too hard, as it can damage the blades of your shaved ice maker

The ideal temperature is between -5°C and -2°C, when the ice changes from translucent to transparent. At this temperature, the ice looks slightly cloudy, and by shaving thin strips off the surface at this temperature, you can create shaved ice with a fluffy texture that is almost like snow

Tips for buying and storing ice

When purchasing ice from an ice shop, it is common to order in units called "kanme." Kanme ice is a rectangular block measuring approximately 13 x 13 x 26 cm, and is usually split in half along the groove with an ice pick

The minimum order unit varies depending on the ice shop, but generally, deliveries are made in units of 3 or 4 kan. It is important to check the delivery area and minimum order amount before purchasing

Some manufacturers already offer ice packed in half-inch chunks, which eliminates the need to break it with an ice pick, and because it is individually wrapped, it is safe to use from a hygienic standpoint

Enjoy the diversity of shaved ice

More than just fluffy

In recent years, the term "gourmet shaved ice" has become more common. This style, which has been gaining attention since 2011, refers to shaved ice made from high-quality ice shaved as thinly as possible, topped with fresh fruit syrup and other high-quality ingredients, and beautifully decorated

Gourmet shaved ice has three elements: "Using delicious, high-quality ice and shaving it as thinly and fluffy as possible," "Using ingredients such as syrup made from fresh fruit, high-quality sugar, and matcha," and "Making it look decorative." The beautiful presentation and the cream and espuma on top are very impressive and exciting

However, the appeal of shaved ice is not just its fluffy texture. Rather, the true appeal of shaved ice is that you can enjoy a variety of textures and flavors depending on how you shave the ice and how you combine it with syrup

The role of shaved ice as a functional food

Shaved ice was originally a functional food invented to cool the body during the hot and humid Japanese summer. It started as eating ice crushed with a knife in the middle of summer, and because it was crushed with a sword, the ice particles were naturally coarse

However, in order to cool the bodies of aristocrats clad in twelve-layered kimono even in summer, they had to chew and swallow coarse ice, which would cool them from the inside. Although it did not have the fluffy texture we have today, it played an important role in combating the heat

The unique shaved ice culture of each region

"Shaved Ice" beloved at baseball stadiums "Shaved Ice" (kachiwari), popular at summer baseball stadiums, is also an important part of shaved ice culture. This ice dessert is made with coarsely shaved ice that is sweetly flavored so that it doesn't melt quickly in the scorching sun, and eating it at a hot baseball stadium is an indescribable deliciousness. Shaved ice that is slightly coarsely shaved, eaten in the scorching midsummer sun, is exceptionally refreshing and thirst-quenching.

Smooth ice in Kyushu and Chugoku regions In Kyushu and Chugoku regions, a style of mixing shaved ice that is smooth like powder snow with syrup is popular. The famous "edible milkshake," a local ice cream from the Nagasaki region, is made by mixing shaved ice with eggs, milk, and sugar and serving it as a sorbet.

The ice must be shaved so that it won't melt when mixed with the liquid, and fluffy ice will melt and become watery. Ice-cold ice must be shaved into a powder-like powder, which requires special skills

This menu was created for people who sweat profusely walking up and down the hills of Nagasaki every day. First, you can enjoy the cool ice, then gulp it down before getting back to work. It continues to be a beloved fast food dish

The essence of shaved ice lies in the skill of the shop owner

Whether you want smooth, fluffy, or crunchy ice, it's important to consider what kind of syrup you pair it with and how you want to serve it. This is where the owner's skill comes into play

Even if the same syrup is used, the taste of shaved ice will change depending on how the shop owner makes it. Ice is a very delicate food and difficult to handle. Syrup made with fresh fruit is of course the most delicious, but there is also a special charm to ice topped with mizore (snow shavings) made with sugar and water, or the nostalgic, sparkling colored syrups

Choosing a Shaved Ice Machine for Enjoying Shaved Ice at Home

The appeal of electric types

If you want to enjoy shaved ice at home, we recommend starting with an easy-to-use electric shaved ice maker. The latest electric shaved ice makers are designed to produce ice that is almost as fluffy as the ice made in a household ice tray

Doshisha Electric Fluffy Snow Shaved Ice Maker DTY-B2BK

This electric shaved ice maker is the 2022 model, and it makes even fluffier shaved ice. It comes with two ice cube trays and can even accommodate frozen fruit. You can easily enjoy authentic shaved ice at home

Amazon

The advantage of electric shavers is that they can shave a large amount of ice in a short amount of time without using much force. They are especially useful for families with small children or when making shaved ice for a large group at a party. The latest models are also compatible with frozen fruit, making it easy to enjoy fruit shaved ice

The appeal of manual types

On the other hand, manual shaved ice makers have a different appeal from electric ones: you can control the shaving speed yourself, so you can shave the ice in the optimal way depending on its condition

Pearl Metal Manual Shaved Ice Maker, Cools Penguin, D-1368

This convenient set includes a Japanese-made manual shaved ice maker and ice cube tray. The cute penguin design makes it fun to make shaved ice with your kids. Its compact size makes it easy to store

Amazon

Manual types do not require a power source, making them ideal for outdoor activities like camping and picnics. Another great feature is that they are quiet, so you can use them at night without disturbing others

Points to consider when choosing a shaved ice machine

When choosing an ice maker, it is important to consider the following points:

Choose the best type based on factors such as the number of family members, frequency of use, and installation location

Enhance the flavor with authentic syrup

The appeal of additive-free syrup

The deliciousness of shaved ice depends not only on the ice, but also on the quality of the syrup. In recent years, additive-free syrups made from natural fruit have become popular

Choitomo 3-Type Shaved Ice Syrup, Additive-Free, 3-Pack

This additive-free syrup set comes in three flavors: strawberry, mango, and roasted green tea. Manufactured in Japan with carefully selected ingredients, you can enjoy the natural flavor of fruit

Amazon

The appeal of additive-free syrup is that you can enjoy the natural sweetness and aroma of the fruit itself.Since it does not contain artificial colorings or preservatives, it is safe for even small children to eat

Seasonal fruit syrup

Each season has its own seasonal fruit. By choosing a fruit syrup that matches the season, such as strawberries in the spring, mangoes and peaches in the summer, grapes and pears in the fall, and mandarin oranges in the winter, you can enjoy shaved ice even more

Enjoying Japanese-style syrup

Recently, Japanese-style syrups such as matcha, roasted green tea, and brown sugar syrup and kinako have become popular. These syrups are an exquisite match of the coldness of the ice and the Japanese flavor, and adults can enjoy a refined taste that will satisfy them

Shaved ice recipes you can make at home

Fruit shaved ice

Shaved ice topped with fresh fruit is both beautiful to look at and tastes exceptional. Simply arrange the sliced ​​fruit on top of the ice and pour fruit syrup over it to create a cafe-like finish

Anmitsu-style shaved ice

A popular Japanese-style shaved ice is the anmitsu-style arrangement. It is topped with sweetened red beans, shiratama dumplings, agar, fruit, etc., and then drizzled with brown sugar syrup. One serving is enough to satisfy your hunger, making it a very appealing choice

Milk-based shaved ice

Milk-based shaved ice made with condensed milk and fresh cream is loved by people of all ages. The combination of strawberry syrup and condensed milk is a classic and looks adorable

summary

Shaved ice is a food culture that Japan can be proud of, having been loved for over 1,000 years, from the Heian period to the present day. It began as a luxurious frozen dessert that Sei Shonagon described as "atenarumono," and has now become a familiar treat that can be easily enjoyed at home

Shaved ice can be enjoyed in countless ways depending on the type of ice, how it is shaved, and the syrup you choose. One of its charms is that you can enjoy a variety of textures, not just fluffy, but also crunchy and smooth

Summers in Japan are getting hotter every year, so why not try some cool and delicious shaved ice?