The Latest Japanese Craze
Michael Marucci — October 3, 2006 — Lifestyle
References: wired & news.agendainc
Eating snow is the latest dessert craze in Japan. Note: not the yellow type.
"A new dessert sold from a roadside stand in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics district is drawing crowds with its unique taste -- exactly like that of freshly fallen snow. Ever eaten really good snow? The appeal isn't in the flavor (it's just frozen water) but in what food experts call the mouth-feel. This dessert, called xue-hua-bin ("snowflake ice"), replicates it perfectly: the dry, powdery, airy crystals that crunch lightly in your mouth before quickly melting.
The unique dessert had its origins in Taiwan's nighttime street fairs, but is slowly making its way around the world. (One of the commenters on my blog found it in an Asian mall in Vancouver.) The Akihabara shop, called Snowflake Village, is the only place to get it in eastern Japan." - Wired
"A new dessert sold from a roadside stand in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics district is drawing crowds with its unique taste -- exactly like that of freshly fallen snow. Ever eaten really good snow? The appeal isn't in the flavor (it's just frozen water) but in what food experts call the mouth-feel. This dessert, called xue-hua-bin ("snowflake ice"), replicates it perfectly: the dry, powdery, airy crystals that crunch lightly in your mouth before quickly melting.
The unique dessert had its origins in Taiwan's nighttime street fairs, but is slowly making its way around the world. (One of the commenters on my blog found it in an Asian mall in Vancouver.) The Akihabara shop, called Snowflake Village, is the only place to get it in eastern Japan." - Wired
Trend Themes
1. Snowflake Desserts - Creating unique desserts with a mouthfeel like snow could be a new trend in the food industry.
2. Mimicking Natural Elements - Replicating the texture of natural elements like snow could inspire other industries such as cosmetics and skincare to create innovative products.
3. Authentic Food Experiences - Customers are increasingly interested in unique, authentic food experiences and this trend could be an opportunity for the hospitality industry to stand out.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Innovative dessert offerings like Snowflake Ice could be a major differentiator in the highly competitive food and beverage industry.
2. Cosmetics and Skincare - The snow-like texture of the dessert could inspire cosmetics and skincare product developers to create innovative products with unique texture and feel.
3. Hospitality - Unique offerings like Snowflake Ice could be an opportunity for hospitality industry players to attract customers looking for unique, authentic experiences.
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