Guest post – A Japanese treasure – Kasutera, Castela

January 29, 2012 by myteabreak 16 Comments

Hello everyone,

I was recently given a very nice Japanese green tea cake called Kasutera, Castela. After telling about it to Mariana, I was invited to share my experience and what i´ve recently learned, here at My Tea Break!

This cake is a speciality of the city of Nagasaki, however, its origins go back to the 16th century, when the portugueses arrived in Japan. In 1543, a period of strong and deep cultural exchange started between the Portuguese and the Japanese – this trade went from the most basic daily activities like learning new words, way of dressing and new cooking recipes to scientific and artistic fields.

The portuguese were responsible for sharing and teaching, mainly in Nagasaki, the recipe of the bread of Castela, know in Portugal as the “Pão de ló”.  This recipe was improved and a bit transformed during the past centuries, to suit the Japanese taste, and is now one of the most well known cakes in  Japan – the Kasutera. This cake is highly consumed during Christmas time.

Kasutera was initially very simple, using natural ingredients. Many varieties have been created using powdered green Tea, honey or brown sugar. The one in the pictures is made with green tea and it was light and delicious!

Xinha