#Japan #Maison Cacao #Kamakura #Cacao Hanare #Chestnut Treats

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, the season of autumn brings a perfect opportunity to indulge in delightful treats, and this year, Maison Cacao and its sister brand, Cacao Hanare, are ready to offer a seasonal selection of chestnut-based sweets starting September 1. Known for their exceptional quality and exquisite flavors, both brands present unique interpretations of the beloved chestnut, which is a staple of fall festivities in Japan.

Maison Cacao: A Fusion of Chocolate and Chestnut
Maison Cacao, originating from the historic town of Kamakura, has created a delightful delicacy called Aroma Raw Chocolate MARRON. This luxurious treat features chestnuts sourced from the esteemed Ichihara Farm in Yamaga, Kumamoto. These large and sweet chestnuts are celebrated for their fragrant aroma and rich flavor. Each piece is crafted by combining these top-quality chestnuts with an original milk chocolate infused with subtle hints of caramel and roasted nuts. When you bite into the chocolate, it melts smoothly in your mouth, releasing the comforting aroma and the rich chestnut taste.

Cacao Hanare: Elevating Tradition through Artisan Craftsmanship
Cacao Hanare embraces the beauty of Japanese aesthetics and traditional confectionery techniques to highlight the natural sweetness of chestnuts. Their offerings include:

• - Cacao Hanare Chestnut Monaka (5 pieces for 3,780 yen): This delightful treat features a crunchy outer layer filled with creamy, airy goodness blended from two types of Colombian chocolate and filled with carefully prepared sweet chestnut paste. The core is enriched with chestnuts cooked in syrup to accentuate their natural umami flavor.
• - Hanare Chestnut Terrine (3,780 yen): A beautiful marriage of chestnut paste and rich Colombian chocolate, this terrine captures the essence of the fresh chestnuts harvested in autumn, made purely with chestnuts and sugar, maintaining the traditional preparation methods.
• - Hanare Chestnut Agar Dessert (1,296 yen): This refreshing treat combines the smooth texture of chestnut paste with cacao-infused ingredients, providing a silky, cool experience. The prime quality ingredient list reflects the brand's commitment to freshness, using only chestnuts and sugar, producing a rich and delicious dessert.
• - Cacao Hanare Chestnut Dorayaki (702 yen): These fluffy pancakes are layered with a sweet red bean paste complemented by fruity Colombian chocolate. Finished with a layer of smooth chestnut paste and topped with syrupy chestnuts, this dessert elevates the classic Japanese favorite to new heights.

Sales Information
Beginning September 1, the Aroma Raw Chocolate MARRON will be available at six selected Maison Cacao shops as well as the online store, with the likelihood of selling out. The artistry of Cacao Hanare's chestnut products will also be on sale across five Maison Cacao stores and Cacao Hanare locations. Notably:

• - Maison Cacao Marunouchi Store, Tokyo
• - Maison Cacao NEWoMAN Yokohama Store, Kanagawa
• - Maison Cacao Gransta Tokyo Store, Tokyo
• - Maison Cacao Haneda Airport Store, Tokyo
• - Cacao Hanare Ofuse LUMINE Wing Store, Kamakura

Additionally, select products like the monaka and terrine will be available until sold out.

Brand Overview
Maison Cacao’s founder, Shingo Ishihara, was inspired to launch the brand in Kamakura after experiencing the rich culture surrounding cocoa in Colombia. With a mission to create not just tasty treats but a chocolate culture rooted in Japan, Maison Cacao emphasizes high-quality craftsmanship, sustainability, and social responsibility, while fostering connections between producers and customers.
Cacao Hanare embodies a refined Japanese aesthetic, focusing on extracting the essence of ingredients with minimal intervention. This philosophy reflects a cultural appreciation for simplicity and beauty in traditional Japanese practices.
Let the harmonious blend of Japanese and Western flavors delight your palate this autumn as you savor these exquisite chestnut sweets.