Shizuoka's food cultureKnow

Unique to Shizuoka! A series introducing famous restaurants that offer surprising menus using ingredients from around the world.

This time, we would like to introduce the ingredients used by ``Handmade Western Confectionery Store Merikenko'' in Omaezaki City, Shizuoka Prefecture.




Merikenko uses ground flour produced in Shizuoka Prefecture. Local flour is made by milling locally harvested grains. Normally, soft flour is used in making sweets, but the one produced in the prefecture is closer to all-purpose flour and is said to have a slightly sticky texture.

The store's name ``Merikenko'' means ``flour,'' and they seem to be very particular about the flour they use. The items were harvested in Shizuoka Prefecture. Merikenko takes advantage of these characteristics to create a chewy, simple, and comforting flavor.




In addition, all of the eggs used in pudding and other products are from the Hosoya Poultry Farm in Kikugawa City, a brand certified by Shizuoka Food Selection, called ``Shizuoka Umare.'' It seems that the feed is mixed with tea and marigolds, so it has a low odor. It is said that the bright orange color of marigold petals is also reflected in the color of the yolk.


In addition, the popular strawberry tarts use the best strawberries available at the time, such as ``Benihoppe,'' ``Kaorino,'' and ``Amamitsu.'' ``Amamitsu'' is an original variety created by Mr. Kawaguchi of ``Ichigoya Kawaguchi'' in Kakegawa City. It is characterized by its deep red color and strong sweetness, and is even sold to famous fruit stores in Tokyo.

Since we pay particular attention to quality such as sweetness, the timing of shipping also depends on the quality of the strawberries. Yukiko Koga, the owner of Merikenko, says that because she visits Mr. Kawaguchi directly, she is able to purchase at the perfect moment.


Mr. Koga is originally from Omaezaki City, Shizuoka Prefecture. She loves sweets such as cakes and baked goods, and although she used to work at a candy store outside the prefecture, she rediscovered the appeal of them after leaving her hometown.

``Becoming involved in making sweets made me realize once again that Shizuoka Prefecture has an abundance of wonderful ingredients.What's more, being able to get them fresh is also a big draw.Harvesting time is also the most important. You can use it at the right time.I think this is very important for confectionery shops that use ingredients raw, such as fruit tarts.''

"Merikenko" is a sweet shop in the city that has a nostalgic feel to it, and where you can discover new Shizuoka flavors every time you taste it. Please come and visit us.

■ Store information
Handmade Western confectionery store Merikenko
Address: 4760-1 Sakura, Omaezaki City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Telephone number: 0537-28-9767

HP:https://merikenko.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kgykkmerikenko/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/merikenko/