Shitogi-mochi is a ceremonial mochi from the grain-growing region of Tsugaru, used in ceremonies to pray for good harvest.
Shitogi-mochi uses powdered uncooked rice, softened by soaking in water, and then mixed with water to make the mochi. Shitogi-mochi gets its name from the original form of mochi, “shitogi.”
Shitogi-mochi is filled with bean jam and offered at the altar for the gods. In order to keep the altar sacred from impure fire, the shitogi-mochi is offered uncooked. The tradition of shitogi-mochi began as people grilled the mochi after the offering was completed in the hot coals of a hearth. Today, the shitogi-mochi is grilled on an iron shitogi pot or a frying pan.
