Himuro dumplings - Sake-flavored Confectionery

A traditional sweet usually served during the summer months.

It is tradition to serve these sweets on July 1st.
Although the origins of these sweets are not clear, the most common story dates back to the feudal era. It is said that the people used to store snow during winter only to be taken out on June 1st of the lunar calendar to present to the Shogun. These sweets were said to be created by a pastry chef from the court, Doganya Hikobei, as a sort of prayer for the safe delivery of the snow to the former capital of Japan.
These sweets contain 3 different colors: white, red and green. Red bean paste is the most important ingredient and also the ingredient providing the red color.