When people in Japan think of peanuts, Chiba Prefecture immediately comes to mind.
Buying and tasting peanuts actually grown in Chiba makes it easy to understand their reputation—they are genuinely delicious.
Souvenir shops also carry an enormous range of related products. Among Chiba’s many specialties, peanuts seem to receive more attention than almost anything else.
Peanuts frequently appear in tarts and sweets like those introduced previously. This time, however, I found a rather mysterious product labeled “Peanut Honey (Peanut Miso).”
I discovered it at Michi-no-Eki Ichikawa and decided to buy a package.
Peanut Honey Mini Packs by Fujisho Foods
The package contains ten 20-gram portions and costs ¥500.
The shop displayed countless peanut products, as one would expect in Chiba, but this package in particular kept catching my attention.
Both the bee logo and the color scheme look delightfully old-fashioned.
The design has a powerful Showa-era atmosphere.
A little research suggested that this product was once served in school lunches in Chiba. I wonder whether it is still included today.
The best-before date is printed on the bottom. The package I bought was good for about two months from the date of purchase.
Let us open the outer bag.
The portions are packed in two connected strips of five.
The illustration on each small packet is wonderful.
A child peeks cheerfully out from a peanut shell.
Anyone who loves retro packaging will find it irresistible.
Each packet contains 20 grams, about enough to fit in a small soy-sauce dish.
A magic-cut edge makes it easy to open.
What Does Peanut Honey Taste Like?
Now, let us try it.
Picked up with chopsticks, the mixture feels thick, sticky, and fairly firm.
The crisp peanuts are included with their skins, giving them a roasted fragrance and a strong, satisfying presence.
The miso contributes a rich but mellow savoriness.
Because the sweetness of the honey is pronounced, the overall impression is almost caramel-like.
It tasted delicious with rice, yet it was equally good as a snack with alcohol. The small portion is perfect for taking an occasional bite.
The contrast between crunchy peanuts and the finely balanced sweet-and-salty seasoning quickly becomes addictive.
Children are also likely to enjoy the flavor, making it suitable as an afternoon snack. It is apparently delicious with bread as well.
I plan to experiment with several different ways of eating it.
Thank you for the meal.
Chiba Prefecture offers many excellent souvenirs beyond peanuts. Be sure to see the page below.
