White-Haired Brown Rice Mochi (50g, 6 pieces)

This is kirimochi (cut mochi) made from shiraga-mochi, a rare heirloom glutinous brown rice variety grown in the Kamiina district of Nagano Prefecture. The rice is prized for its flavour and aroma but is notoriously difficult to cultivate, giving it a reputation among farmers as "the rice that makes them cry."

The rice is steamed and pounded using traditional mortar-and-pestle methods, then cut into individual pieces. Toasting or grilling the pieces makes them puff up, giving a crisp exterior and a chewy, stretchy interior with a nutty brown rice aroma.

• Origin: Japan, Kamiina district, Nagano Prefecture
• Net weight/volume: 50g x 6 pieces
• Category: Mochi
• Usage: Grill, toast, or pan-fry until puffed and lightly browned; serve with soy sauce and nori, kinako, or in soup such as ozoni.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place unopened; once opened, keep refrigerated and consume promptly, or freeze for longer storage.