NEW YORK CITY — A popular Japanese donut shop is welcoming the arrival of cherry blossom season with a pair of limited-edition sakura specials beginning this weekend.
In Japan, cherry blossoms, or sakura, represent the renewal of spring and the optimism of a fresh start. As soon as these pink and white flowers begin to bloom.
“I’m donut ?,” the brainchild of chef Ryouta Hirako, delights customers with an array of sweet and savory flavors as well as creative ingredients that challenge the classic donut experience.
On March 1, customers will be able to try the Sakura Raspberry Cream Donut which features a light raspberry mousse and raspberry jelly piped into an original nama donut, dipped into a creamy sakura-infused white chocolate coating, dusted with fresh Sakura powder and crunchy dried raspberries, and crowned with a fresh raspberry.
“Cherry blossoms are very special in Japan. They remind us to slow down and cherish the present moment, because nature is fleeting,” Chef Ryouta Hirako told Patch. “With these special offerings, we hope to capture the spirit of sakura season as spring begins in New York.”
Complementing the donut is a delicate pink-hued Sakura Latte, a hot springtime beverage, the latte features a house made sakura cream featuring floral, grassy notes and a touch of white chocolate for subtle sweetness.
You can read more information on seasonal offerings at the chain’s website.