A Distinctive Balance of Sweetness and Ginger Spice
Koi no Kanporaku has a delicate pink color created with natural coloring. Its nostalgic rosy hue and adorable heart shape give it a charming appearance, making it a memorable souvenir from Shimane, especially for those interested in Japan’s culture of good fortune and matchmaking.
The flavor begins with the gentle sweetness of sugar, followed by the distinctive aroma and sharp spiciness of Shusai Ginger. The combination of sweetness and spice creates a striking taste that seems to capture not only the sweetness of romance but also the challenges and unexpected turns that can come with love.
Made with the Rare Local Specialty, Shusai Ginger
The key ingredient is Shusai Ginger, a distinctive variety of ginger grown in the Shusai area of Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. Cultivated around the Hii River, Shusai Ginger is known for its unique fragrance and pronounced spicy character, and has become one of the region’s notable agricultural specialties.
For Koi no Kanporaku, the ginger is grated with its skin intact, and the juice is then extracted for use in the candy. By preserving the natural character of the ginger, the confection achieves a rich aroma and pronounced ginger flavor that goes beyond simple sweetness.
Made by Kuruma-ya Ginger Candy, a 300-Year-Old Tradition
Koi no Kanporaku is made by Kuruma-ya Ginger Candy in Izumo City. The shop has been producing traditional ginger candy since the Edo period and has a history spanning more than 300 years.
To make its traditional ginger candy, juice extracted from freshly grated Shusai Ginger is combined with water and refined sugar, then slowly boiled in a large pot. As the mixture is gently reduced and the water evaporates, the concentrated ginger flavor and sweetness are transformed into a firm candy.
An Old-Fashioned Method Using Charcoal Fire
One of the most distinctive aspects of the production process is the use of charcoal fire during the long boiling stage. Rather than relying solely on gas, the makers continue to use traditional charcoal fire, carefully controlling the heat as the ginger juice and sugar are slowly reduced.
The process requires close attention to temperature and heat intensity and takes considerable time. Instead of pursuing efficiency alone, the makers preserve techniques handed down over generations, creating the characteristic flavor and atmosphere of a traditional confection from a long-established shop.
A Charming Souvenir Inspired by Izumo’s Culture of Good Connections
Koi no Kanporaku brings together Izumo’s famous culture of good connections and matchmaking with a ginger candy-making tradition that has continued for more than 300 years. Its heart shape expresses the traditional wish that “love becomes firm” and “bonds become strong.”
As the delicate pink candy melts in your mouth, the gentle sweetness of sugar comes first, followed by the distinctive fragrance and spicy character of Shusai Ginger. This unusual balance of sweetness and spice, together with its traditional production method and charming appearance, makes Koi no Kanporaku a memorable confection that captures the spirit of Izumo.