[3-Choice Quiz] Cherry Blossom Trivia You'll Want to Share with Someone

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Yaezakura refers to a type of cherry blossom that has more petals than ordinary cherry blossoms; if a blossom has six or more petals, it is called yaezakura. The number of petals varies by variety, but yaezakura is characterized by its very ornate appearance.

poison

What is contained in cherry leaves is coumarin, which is known as a toxin. Coumarin is recognized as an aromatic compound with a pleasant scent, but caution is needed because consuming large amounts may adversely affect the liver. Cherry leaves used in traditional Japanese confections are processed—such as by pickling in salt—to reduce coumarin. Cherry leaves that have been properly processed in this way are safe to eat.

Relaxation effect

The scent of cherry blossoms is said to have a relaxing effect. This fragrance calms the mind, helps relieve stress, and, with the arrival of spring, has the quality of bringing comfort to people.

fall as a flower

A notable feature of the Taiwan cherry is that its blossoms fall to the ground intact, rather than dropping their petals one by one. This is said to be because the petals and stamens are attached to each other. If you spot them, be sure to take a closer look.

horse

Sakurani ku refers to horse meat. There are various theories as to why horse meat is called sakura meat: because it becomes tastier in the season when cherry blossoms bloom; because the color of the meat resembles that of cherry blossoms; and because it was used as a euphemism for secretly eating meat during times when meat consumption was prohibited.

tricolor dango

The order of pink, white, and green in the three-color dango represents the sequence of cherry blossoms blooming. Pink is the color of the buds, white is the color of the flowers in full bloom, and green is the color of the leaves after the blossoms. When you make three-color dango at home, try remembering this order!

Because pollen sticks to the leaves and interferes with pollination.

Cherry blossoms bloom before their leaves to improve pollination efficiency. If the leaves emerged first, pollen could stick to them, potentially hindering successful pollination. Therefore, by flowering before the leaves unfold, cherry trees avoid interference with pollination.