Sunday, February 28, 2010

Onigiri face


Onigiri (also known as omusubi) is the generic term for these rice balls that are typical in bento boxes. They assume all kinds of shapes. You can hand mold them or use special molds to make them in the shape of mini-cylinders, triangles, hearts, stars, etc... There is a deeper meaning to onigiri in Japan. My mom used to tell that her aunt often taught her that a mother's love and thoughtfulness are transferred to each grain of rice as she presses and shapes the rice ball into a traditional triangle shape. No matter if it is still warm or cold for being eaten hours later, it always tastes good. I always heard the story and was touched by it and it has stuck with me. I guess that is why an onigiri always has a special meaning for me.

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