Aomori, Japan’s celebrated apple region, offers many delicious apple sweets. Among them, Inochi is a standard souvenir known by virtually every local resident and made by the famous confectioner Ragueneau Sasaki.
Ragueneau’s Inochi Custard Cake
First, the Apple variety.
Prices begin at ¥456 for four. Some shops sell single pieces, which is convenient for tasting.
The cakes are made in Hirosaki, Aomori.
The sponge is exceptionally fluffy and moist.
Inside are separate layers of custard cream and apple jam. Smooth, egg-rich custard fills the tender sponge, while the tart-sweet apple center creates a perfect match. It is easy to understand why this has long been loved as an Aomori classic.
Matcha Inochi combines matcha custard with red bean paste. Its deep tea flavor is also highly recommended. Assorted Apple and Matcha boxes solve the problem of choosing between them. Seasonal mango, grape, chocolate, and other flavors also appear, so check the current selection.
Origin of the Name Inochi
The name comes from the 1986 NHK historical drama Inochi, which was set in Aomori. Ragueneau created and launched the cake to commemorate the broadcast of the intense drama written by Sugako Hashida.
How to Enjoy Inochi
In winter, enjoy its soft fluffiness at room temperature. In summer, chilling it produces a different and equally delicious experience.
More Inochi Varieties: Matcha, Chestnut, Lemon, and Sakura
I always buy Inochi when visiting Aomori. It is now available through Amazon and Rakuten as well.
- Amazon: ラグノオいのち
- Rakuten: ラグノオささき【いのち・りんご】10個入り※カスタードケーキ
Ragueneau Sasaki products are consistently reliable, so I look forward to trying more.
Update, June 2019: I also purchased the Sakura version. The Inochi series remains unfailingly delicious.
For more Aomori souvenir information, see below.
Inochi Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Inochi |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Ragueneau Sasaki |
| Address | 9 Hyakkokumachi, Hirosaki, Aomori |
| Expiration Date | 45 days from production |
| Place of Purchase | Shops in Hirosaki and elsewhere |
| Price | ¥456 for 4 |
