Premium "Konpeito" by Ryokujuan Shimizu
Konpeito (Kompeito).
Konpeito is sugar candy brought by Portuguese in 16th century. It is crystal of sugar. Forming a crystallization of sugar is impossible when other ingredient is added. Because of that, konpeito has no flavor, coloring is the only character it has.
So, most konpeito you find in Japan has no flavor but simple sweetness of sugar.
Weirdly, konpeito has no definit recipe because process of sugar crystallization is extremely sensitive, can easily be affected by temperature and humidity. Adding flavor or aroma makes even harder.
Therefore, 99% of konpeito has no flavoring for its production reason.
Ryokujuan Shimizu, one of the oldest konpeito maker.
As many konpeito maker gave up on adding "extra" on it. Ryokujuan Shimizu has never given up.
This konpeito maker was founded in 1847 and still running. It is well known for flavored konpeito and its price.
Ordinary konpeito cost around 200 JPY, where non-premium Ryokujuan's konpeito cost 555 JPY. Why? it's because Ryokujuan's product takes 16 to 20 days in production and all are made by special craftsman.
It taste so good that even non-premium konpeito is resold online for nealy 1,000 JPY. (Ryokujuan Shimizu don't sale their products online.)
So what about the premium konpeito?
Chocolate konpeito.
As you know, chocolate melt in normal temperature (28C or 82F). Chocolate konpeito made by Ryokujuan doesn't. 18 days of production and intensive care by craftsman made it possible. Rich chocolate flavor fades away leaving bland aftertaste.
Price: ¥4,000
Caramel konpeito.
Not too hard to imagine, softness and oil that is contained in caramel makes it difficult to become solid. I wonder how they do it.
Moderated sweetness and crispy texture is what you enjoy from it.
Price: ¥4,000
Nihonshu (sake) konpeito.
Premium sake made in Kyoto is used in this konpeito. Distinctive aroma of Japanese wine is sealed in. Takes 18 days to produce and only sold in their main store.
Price: ¥3,800
Vosne-Romanée Konpeito.
Wine that is made in Bourgogne, France has fruity taste and good chemistry with sugar. Acidity and tannin prevents crystallization, so this may be the only wine flavored konpeito. 20 days of production sealed mellow aroma of France.
Price: ¥8,500
About Ryokujuan Shimizu.
Address: 38-2 Yoshida izumidonocho, Sakyoku, Kyoto city.
Open Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Holidays: every Wednesdays and 4th Tuesday.
Access: 10 min walk from Exit 2 at Demachiyanagi station.
Premium (SUPREME) konpeito is not easy to buy. There is always a waiting list for premium products. Consider yourself really in luck if you get one.
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