The subtly sweet "Vitamin Castella" that melts in your mouth is a classic snack for the people of Hokkaido. This treat was born from the kindness of a confectionery shop owner in Asahikawa. Today, we'll explore the history and the secret behind the deliciousness of Vitamin Castella, a snack loved by Hokkaido residents for over a century.

Born from a Shop Owner's Kindness: "Something Inexpensive and Nutritious"

Vitamin Castella is manufactured and sold by Takahashi Seika in Asahikawa, a long-established confectionery shop founded in 1917. Vitamin Castella was created in 1921, shortly after the end of World War I. It was a time of food shortages, and many children suffered from malnutrition. Amidst this, Kashio Takahashi, the founder of Takahashi Seika, rose to the occasion, determined to provide something inexpensive and nutritious. Mr. Takahashi, who was from Shikoku and had trained in authentic castella making in Nagasaki and gained experience with Japanese sweets, created a castella cake that was affordable for the common people.

It was sold in a palm-sized form for easy eating, and was improved by adjusting the moisture content to give it a longer shelf life. Then, during a renewal around 1960, vitamins B1 and B2, which were used in school lunches at the time, were added. After extensive research, the current Vitamin Castella was perfected. The Vitamin Castella we casually eat today is, without exaggeration, a pioneer of "nutritional food" that is both delicious and nourishing.

60,000 Bars a Day at its Peak! A Long-Seller with Unchanging Deliciousness

Although initially developed for malnourished children, Vitamin Castella also became a treasured snack for people helping with farm work. For physically demanding jobs, a moderate amount of sweetness and saltiness is essential. Therefore, Vitamin Castella, which could satisfy hunger and provide a nutritional boost, gained attention. At its peak, 60,000 bars were produced per day. It is said that the factory workers made castella around the clock. The recipe has reportedly remained unchanged since the current form of Vitamin Castella was established. Its unchanging deliciousness is the secret to its long-selling success.

Pairs Perfectly with Milk, Whipped Cream, and Jam!

Left is the regular size "Vitamin Castella," right is the "Vitamin Castella Mini."

Vitamin Castella has a long shelf life due to its lower moisture content, so it's best enjoyed with a drink. It pairs exceptionally well with milk; the marriage of the subtly sweet castella and rich milk is irresistible. It's also recommended to pair it with whipped cream or jam. The moisture from the cream or jam makes the castella moist, so it's fun to decorate it for a slightly more luxurious treat.

Perfect for a Light Snack! The Enduringly Loved Vitamin Castella

In addition to single bars, Vitamin Castella is available in two other product types: "Fives," a pack of five regular-sized bars, and "Vitamin Castella Mini," which contains five smaller-sized bars. With its long shelf life and affordable price, it can be purchased not only at local supermarkets but also at souvenir shops.

You can't help but reach for a Vitamin Castella. Its convenient shape, taste, and price have captured the hearts of Hokkaido residents. Enjoy it as today's snack or a study companion with your favorite drink!

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