The Japanese sweets specialty shop “菓一條栄久堂吉宗” near Shukugawa has won the Grand Prix at the Food Selection.
(This information was provided by Piisuke-san. Thank you!)
Here it is ↓
They won the Grand Prix for a product called “パンに合う粒あん” (“Tsubuan Red Bean Paste That Goes Well with Bread”).
Here’s the location on the map ↓
The address is MIZUKI Arpeggio Shukugawa 1F, 7-26 Hagoromocho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo.
Japan Food Selection | Japan’s first food evaluation system by food professionals
Unlike Monde Selection, Japan Food Selection appears to be scored by food analysts from all over Japan.
Apparently, to win the Grand Prix, every judge must give a score of 90 or higher out of 100.
Here’s the award-winning product ↓
“パンに合う粒あん” 650 yen (tax included)
It looks like an easy way to enjoy ogura toast at home.
Points that were praised
・The straightforward name, stating that it goes well with bread, is helping expand into a new market
・A simple, safe, and reliable product made only with Hokkaido-grown azuki beans and sugar
・A pure, rustic flavor, with a small size that can be used up soon after opening
・The sweetness and texture of the beans are just right, making it a high-quality anko that enhances the taste of bread
・The azuki beans are mashed to a good consistency, with no excess sweetness or moisture, so it truly does go well with bread
・It is simply delicious, and the moment you taste it, you can feel the harmony of butter and tsubuan
・The skill required to cook anko to this level is outstanding, and you can feel the artisan’s dedication
These were the points that were praised.
It’s probably because of the artisan anko-cooking skills they’ve built up through making wagashi that they were able to win an award like this. Their dedication really comes through on this page.
Lastly
“パンに合う粒あん” was also featured on Kansai TV’s “Yo-i Don!” One jar is 650 yen and seems to be enough for 2 to 3 servings. You can also buy it online.
