Shiratama-ko and Arare-ko: How Do They Differ?
Flour powders indispensable to wagashi making.
Shiratama-ko (glutinous rice flour) and arare-ko are both made from glutinous rice, but they clearly differ in production method and use. Shiratama-ko is made by the wet-milling method, giving it a smooth texture. Arare-ko, on the other hand, is made by crushing dried mochi, producing a light texture.
This article thoroughly compares the two from the perspectives of raw material, particle size, texture, and use.
See Minoyo's Product List Here
The Characteristics and Production Method of Shiratama-ko
Shiratama-ko (glutinous rice flour) is a traditional wagashi material made from glutinous rice.
The production method is distinctive: the glutinous rice is soaked in water overnight and then wet-milled. It is ground while adding water, characteristically bringing it to a smooth, milk-like state. Pressure is then applied to dewater it, and the solid mass is finely cut and dried.
The Distinctive Texture Brought by the Wet-Milling Method
Through this wet-milling method, shiratama-ko becomes very fine particles.
When kneaded with water, it forms a glossy, chewy, soft dough. This is why making shiratama dango lets you enjoy a smooth texture and elasticity. Its great appeal lies in not hardening easily even when cooled and maintaining a smooth mouthfeel.
The Main Uses of Shiratama-ko
Shiratama-ko is used for shiratama dango, gyuhi, daifuku mochi, and more.
It is ideal for making wagashi that leverage a smooth texture, and is also popular as a topping for fruit punch and zenzai. It is also prized when making soft mochi dough such as for ichigo daifuku.
The Characteristics and Production Method of Arare-ko
Arare-ko is a powder made by drying and crushing mochi.
The production method differs greatly from that of shiratama-ko. The basic process is to steam glutinous rice into mochi, then dry it before grinding it. By going through this heat treatment, it comes to have properties completely different from shiratama-ko.
The Secret of Its Light Texture
Arare-ko is a heat-treated, gelatinized product.
Therefore, when water is added and it is heated, a light, crisp texture is produced. Rather than the chewiness of shiratama-ko, it is characterized by a crunchy bite. Its particle size is also coarser than shiratama-ko, so the difference is clear even visually.
The Main Uses of Arare-ko
Arare-ko is widely used as a topping for oshiruko and zenzai.
Like chidori arare (green, white, and pink), colorful arare is also visually gorgeous. It is also prized as a decoration for wagashi and as a textural accent. With a rich variety such as shiratama arare and cha-dama arare, it can be used according to purpose.
Comparing the Differences Between Shiratama-ko and Arare-ko
Let's organize the differences between the two.
The Difference in Raw Material and Production Method
Shiratama-ko and mochi-ko both use the same raw material, glutinous rice. However, the production methods differ greatly. Shiratama-ko is made by wet-milling glutinous rice soaked in water, whereas arare-ko is made by drying and then grinding steamed glutinous rice. This difference in production method is the fundamental factor that produces the differences in texture and use.
The Difference in Particle Size and Appearance
Shiratama-ko is a very fine granular powder.
Arare-ko, on the other hand, has a coarser particle size, so the difference is clear even visually. Shiratama-ko has a pure-white, smooth texture, while arare-ko is somewhat coarse and its color can appear slightly off-white.
The Difference in Texture and Finish
Dango made with shiratama-ko has a glossy, chewy, soft texture.
It does not harden easily even when cooled and is characterized by a smooth mouthfeel. Sweets using arare-ko, on the other hand, offer a light, crisp texture. It has a crunchy bite and a flavor completely different from shiratama-ko.
The Difference in Price
Shiratama-ko has a more complex, labor-intensive production process than mochi-ko.
As a result, shiratama-ko generally costs more than twice as much. Also, the fact that glutinous rice itself has a higher raw material price than non-glutinous rice is a factor in the price difference.
SourceMaehara Seifun Co., Ltd. Gishi "Please tell me the difference between shiratama-ko and mochi-ko."adapted from
Know-How Professionals Use to Choose Between the Flours
Wagashi artisans choose between the flours according to the desired texture and use.
Shiratama-ko for a Chewy Texture
When you want a soft, elastic texture, shiratama-ko is ideal.
It suits wagashi that leverage a smooth mouthfeel, such as shiratama dango, daifuku mochi, and gyuhi. Because it does not harden easily even when cooled, it is also prized as a topping for fruit punch and anmitsu.
Arare-ko for a Light Texture
When you want a light, crisp texture, choose arare-ko.
Used as a topping for oshiruko and zenzai or as a decoration for wagashi, it becomes a textural accent. The colorful chidori arare is visually gorgeous and perfect for celebratory occasions too.
Blending Tips
With shiratama-ko, you can control the texture by adjusting the amount of water.
More water makes it softer, less water increases the elasticity. Arare-ko can be used as a topping as is, or mixed with other flours to create your own texture. Professional wagashi artisans achieve the ideal texture by combining multiple flours.
Summary: Let's Master Shiratama-ko and Arare-ko
Shiratama-ko and arare-ko both use glutinous rice as their raw material, but their production methods and uses differ greatly.
Shiratama-ko is made by the wet-milling method and is characterized by a glossy, chewy texture. It is ideal for soft wagashi such as shiratama dango and daifuku mochi. Arare-ko, on the other hand, is made by drying and crushing steamed glutinous rice, and offers a light, crisp texture. It shines as a topping for oshiruko and as a decoration for wagashi.
By choosing between these flours according to the desired texture and use, the scope of wagashi making broadens. Shiratama-ko does not harden easily even when cooled, and arare-ko is colorful and gorgeous in appearance. Understand the characteristics of each and try your hand at making delicious wagashi.
See Minoyo's Product List Here
📦 Related Minoyo Products
Please feel free to consult us about commercial procurement and sample requests
Minoyo is a specialty store for Kyoto confectionery raw materials based in Kyoto. For the raw materials covered in this article, we offer proposals close to the realities of wagashi production, including commercial procurement, trial samples, and consultation on lots and specifications.
For Minoyo's business and strengths, please see Our Business & Why We Are Chosen . For the actual flow of doing business, see Ordering Process & How to Order; for questions, we have compiled them at Frequently Asked Questions . For individual consultations, please use Contact or material download to get in touch.