Regional tarts and rusks are common sights in souvenir shops and at roadside stores throughout Japan.
They probably combine easily with each area’s famous ingredients, which may explain why they appear so often. Even my hometown of Asakusa has plenty of both—although defining Asakusa’s local agricultural specialty is another question.
Whenever I have the opportunity, I try to sample these regional tarts.
This time, at Michi-no-Eki Ichikawa, which opened in 2018, I found a tart made with peanuts, Chiba Prefecture’s best-known specialty, and decided to try it.
Peanut Tart by Sawarabi
A box contains nine tarts and costs ¥658.
The package says that the product is recommended by Michi-no-Eki Ichikawa, which made it difficult to leave without buying one.
Naturally, the tarts use peanuts grown in Chiba Prefecture.
Some souvenir shops within Chiba also sell products made with imported Chinese peanuts, so anyone specifically seeking Chiba-grown peanuts should check the label carefully.
The wrapping paper appears to be designed in the image of peanut shells.
The best-before date is printed on the back. The box I bought was good for about two months from the purchase date.
The individual wrappers have a simple and stylish appearance.
Tasting the Peanut Tart
Now, let us try one.
The tart shell has a delicate, crumbly texture.
The piped peanut filling feels less like ordinary cream and more like smooth white bean paste kneaded with the fragrance of peanuts.
At the first bite, the sweetness seemed so restrained that I briefly wondered whether I had chosen an underwhelming product. As I continued eating, however, the peanut aroma gradually spread across the palate, and the tart became surprisingly enjoyable.
It pairs particularly well with milk, a combination I strongly recommend.
Although called a tart, the peanut-bean filling makes it feel closer to a Japanese confection. It would probably pair nicely with green tea as well.
Anyone craving an intensely sweet dessert should choose a different product.
This tart can be stored at room temperature, so comparing it with a frozen, freshly baked product such as the Pablo Mini Cheese Tart would naturally reveal a difference in richness and texture.
Thank you for the treat.
Chiba Prefecture offers many souvenir-worthy specialties beyond peanuts. Be sure to see the page below as well.
Peanut Tart Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Peanut Tart |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Sawarabi Co., Ltd. |
| Address | 781 Kozuka, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan |
| Expiration Date | Approximately 2 months from purchase |
| Place of Purchase | Michi-no-Eki Ichikawa |
| Price | ¥658 |
