Whether you like to purchase them from your local Asian market or you like to get creative in the kitchen and make your own, we’re sure that you’ll agree with us when we say that nothing quite compares to making delicious Mochi cakes!
Otherwise referred to as “Mochi”, mochi cakes are not only one of the most popular sweet treats in the world, but they also happen to be one of Japan’s most iconic treats thanks to their uniquely sweet flavor and fluffy texture that people can’t seem to get enough of.
The only problem? Mochi (see also ‘Do You Eat Mochi Hot Or Cold? What You Need To Know‘) tends to go bad after a few days, leading many to wonder if it is possible to store it in such a way that ensures the flavor and freshness is preserved and kept intact for longer. This is where we come in to lend a helping hand!
To help you make sure that you are able to enjoy your delicious mochi for longer without needing to throw it out and purchase a new batch, in this article, we are going to be showing you how you can effectively store your mochi cakes. Read on!
What Is Mochi?
If you’re yet to try mochi for the first time, then rest assured that you’re in for a yummy treat.
Unlike other types of traditional sweet treats, mochi is especially unique because of its fluffy texture that many people state is slightly similar to the texture of a marshmallow. The only difference? It’s way tastier.
If you have been able to eat mochi before (see also ‘What Is Mochi? – A Beginner’s Guide To Japan’s Favorite Snack!‘), then we’re sure that you’ll agree with us when we say that mochi, besides being totally yummy and sugary sweet, has a super moreish squishy texture that leaves you wanting more after each bite that you take.
Traditionally, mochi is usually made from Japanese rice dough that is then thoroughly beaten and then molded by hand to create the iconic dome cake shape.
Once this has been created, it is very common for a variety of fun and yummy flavors and bright colors to be added to the rice dough.
When done correctly, the plain mochi cakes will be transformed into colorful and delicious variations for people to choose from and enjoy.
Despite the fact that mochi is extremely versatile and can be elevated with a variety of different colors and flavors, the most common flavors that are typically used to create mochi rice cakes are strawberry and vanilla – although a flavor that is growing in popularity more and more is matcha flavor, which is a vibrant green in color and offers a myriad of amazing health benefits!
Once mochi has been properly prepared and all of the flavors and colors have been added, the mochi will then set.
After it has been given the time to do this, it will be ready to eat as the is iconic chewy, sticky texture will have been given time to correctly set itself, otherwise the texture will be soggy.
When it has been prepared correctly, mochi should typically have a mouthwatering soft yet fluffy texture that is chewy once bitten into.
Many people find it best to eat mochi while drinking a glass of water!
How To Store Mochi?
Now that you know a little more about what mochi actually is, you might now be wondering how you can go about keeping that rice dough fresh and delicious for longer!
As we’re sure you might already be well aware, mochi is traditionally made to be eaten on the same day that it has been made, as this will mean that you will be able to enjoy the flavor and texture at its finest.
Still, there are many people who prefer to store their mochi so that it can be enjoyed over a longer period of time.
The only question is, what can be done to make sure that mochi lasts longer than just a day?
As we have briefly touched upon above, mochi is made out of rice dough, which therefore means that it will typically dry out a lot quicker than other types of dessert-friendly dough.
This then means that mochi often has a tendency to get hard after only a few hours of it having been repaired, especially if it is left out on a surface.
Due to this, if you are going to be spreading out your mochi over a few days, you’ll need to make sure that you store it correctly. So, what can be done?
Well, first things first you are going to need to make sure that you are storing your mochi inside an airtight container, as this will help to slow down the hardening process that naturally occurs within the rice dough.
When stored correctly, it should last for around a week.
Alternatively, if you would like to store your mochi for longer than a week, the next best thing to do is to store your mochi inside a freezer-friendly container or ziplock bag that you can then place inside your freezer.
As a side note, avoid keeping your mochi inside a refrigerator, as a refrigerator might cause your mochi to retain condensation which will affect the texture.
Summary
All in all? Even though Mochi is a sweet treat best served fresh, after reading through this article – we’re hoping that you are now much more confident about how you can preserve your delicious Mochi for longer!
Just keep in mind, if you can’t eat your Mochi right away, simply storing it inside a container at room temperature will help to keep it fresh for an additional two or three days. Thanks for reading!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
