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In Korea, spring is a beautiful season when the nation is covered with pink and white cherry blossoms. This season is also called 'beotkkot'. In Korea, with the arrival of spring, the cherry blossom festival attracts both locals and tourists who want to witness the breathtaking beauty of the blooming cherry trees.
The food of this festival brings back cherished memories and joy with its appearance. Traditional Korean meals are given a distinctive twist with seasonal ingredients like cherry blossoms. The subtle sweet flavours and colours of the flower are incorporated into special concoctions that are prepared by chefs of Korean cafes, restaurants, and street vendors for a few limited weeks between late March and mid-April. Here are some seasonal tasty treats discussed, which make a short but sweet appearance once every year.
Petal-Shaped Cake
This cake, which is frequently served in bakeries and cafes throughout Korea, is one of the most aesthetically beautiful treats. The cake has a cherry blossom petals shape and is filled with floral-infused red bean paste. It has a sweet and slightly earthy flavour. It is mostly available at festivals such as the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.
Cherry Blossom Ice Cream
This ice cream is a refreshing option for those who want to cool off while enjoying the colourful seasonal festival. This is usually made with a mixture of cream, milk, and the essence of cherry blossoms, which gives it a floral taste. In order to improve both visual appeal and flavour, many ice cream shops topped it with edible flower petals or cherry preserves. It's an Instagram-worthy dish because of its pastel pink colour.
Image Credit: Flickr
Cherry Blossom Frozen Yogurt
This yoghurt is popular during this season because it provides a lighter, tangier option than regular ice cream. It creates a perfect balance of flavours by combining cherry blossoms' floral tone and yoghurt's creamy texture. In areas like Hongdae and Ewha, a lot of yoghurt shops create their own cherry blossom syrups or compotes, which they spread over this frozen yoghurt to create an aesthetically pleasing look. Toppings like cherry blossom petals, pink mochi bits, and white chocolate shavings are added to it.
Also read: 5 Korean Dishes For Spring You Must Try
Pink Buns (Burgers)
Pink buns, often called 'cherry blossom burgers' by tourists—offer a fun blend of Korean and Western culinary influences and are the most Instagram-worthy cherry blossom food. To replicate the colour of the flower, these buns are coloured pink using natural food colour. Both savoury and sweet items are added to these burgers. They can be filled with a wide range of contents, including patties of vegetables, seasoned meat, or even sweet bean paste. Some creative chefs add extra cherry blossom components to their dishes, like special sauces infused with flowers or spring vegetables dressed with cherry vinegar.
Cherry Blossom Soda
This soda is a must-have beverage during Korea's cherry blossom season because it is both visually appealing and thirst-quenching. It is usually made with carbonated water and flavoured with cherry blossom syrup. It is frequently consumed during picnics and vacations to stay hydrated. To improve presentation and taste, many cafes and beverage shops may add a twist by garnishing the drink with fruit slices or edible flowers.
Image Credit: Freepik
Cherry Blossom Soju
Cherry blossom soju is a seasonal variation of Korea's beloved national alcoholic drink. To make this, the essence of cherry blossoms has been added to the alcoholic drink. This soju, which is frequently served cold, can be drunk on its own or can be used to make cocktails. With the help of this beverage, mixologists frequently create innovative spring-themed cocktails by combining them with fruit juice, sparkling water, or natural herbs.
Image Credit: Freepik
Cherry Blossom Bagels
The dough and toppings of the bagels frequently contain traces of sakura essence, giving them a sweet yet savoury flavour profile. For extra taste, some variations use fillings like cherry blossom extract-infused cream cheese or sweet jams. They're ideal for breakfast or as a quick snack during the cherry blossom season.
Cherry Blossom Milk
It's a favourite drink at cafes during this season and is frequently served cold with whipped cream or edible petals on top. It is liked by children and adults because of its mild sweetness and soothing effect. Cherry blossom milk is a simple yet elegant drink choice that goes nicely with other sakura-themed foods like cakes or bagels. It is an ideal drink for outdoor picnics or events.
Image Credit: Freepik
