Learn about hoshiimo
Common hoshiimo topics — the white powder, storage, and more — as short reads.
What Is Hoshiimo?Hoshiimo — dried sweet potato — is a traditional Japanese food made by steaming sweet potatoes and drying them. Many products are made without added sugar, letting you enjoy the potato's own sweetness in a simple, deeply satisfying form.About the White PowderThe white powder on the surface of hoshiimo is, in most cases, not mold — it's sugars from the sweet potato that come to the surface and crystallize. Known as 'kona-fuki' (powdered coating), it's said to appear on well-matured hoshiimo. Still, it can be hard to tell apart from mold, so here are the general pointers.How to Store HoshiimoHoshiimo isn't as delicate as fresh confectionery, but it does hold moisture, so storage deserves a little care. The basics: unopened, follow the package; after opening, seal and refrigerate; for the long term, freeze.Hira-boshi and Maru-boshiHoshiimo comes in several forms depending on how it's dried. The two you'll see most are hira-boshi (flat-dried) and maru-boshi (whole-dried). The difference may look like shape alone, but it changes the texture and the whole impression of the taste.Choosing Hoshiimo as a GiftAs a Japanese sweet often made without added sugar, hoshiimo is chosen for a wide range of gifts — from year-end presents and souvenirs to treats shared around the office. Here's how to choose by recipient and by how you'll hand it over.Buying OnlineMany producers and sellers ship hoshiimo nationwide through official sites, online shops, and hometown-tax (furusato nozei) programs. Here are the basics of buying online.Buying at Farm ShopsIn the producing area, you can buy hoshiimo directly at farm shops and stores. It's a way of buying that puts a face to the maker — and of meeting a lineup you'll only find in the region — with a charm all its own.Finding Producers and SellersHoshimori lists producers and sellers of hoshiimo, centered on Hitachinaka, Tokai, and Naka in Ibaraki Prefecture, with sources and confirmation dates attached.