Writer:
Justin
Translator:
[Machine translation]
The second installment of the "Let's Make Candy" series is "Neru Neru Neru Neru" Jelly.
Let's Make Japanese Candy!! Series Volume 2
Japan is a unique candy powerhouse in the world.
Among the many candies, one particularly captivating type for Japanese children is "educational candy!"
...So today, in our second installment of "Let's Make Japanese Candy!!," we will be making Kracie's "Neru Neru Neru Neru" Jelly.
In childhood, every Japanese person once dreamt of the representative work of "educational candy," the evolved version of the iconic "Neru Neru Neru Neru."
The packaging somehow gives off a more glitzy vibe.
I can't help but feel excited!
As with the last time, it’s commendable that they do not use preservatives or synthetic colorings.
By the way, I believe this labeling change came about in response to concerns from parents regarding the colorful hues.
Of course, I have no doubts about you, Kracie!
Contents
Compared to the traditional "Neru Neru Neru Neru," it’s obvious that the number of pouches has increased. The development team must find experimenting with new flavors to be a very enjoyable task. I can’t help but wonder what kind of changes this variety will bring.
Apple Jelly
Now, just like last time, all you need for "Neru Neru Neru Neru" is just water. First, let's use the triangular water measuring cup at the edge of the plastic tray (a familiar design that hasn’t changed for years among Neru Neru enthusiasts) to make the apple jelly.
Pour water into the narrowest part of the tray using the triangle measuring cup.
Then quickly add the "Apple Jelly Powder" in!
The packaging boldly proclaims its apple flavor!!
After pouring in the "Apple Jelly Powder," whisk it quickly with the included spoon. Neglecting this mixing step will lead to terrible consequences, a lesson we learned from the era of "Neru Neru Neru Neru," so everyone, let’s mix with utmost care and love.
After mixing thoroughly, it says to wait for three minutes, so let's move on to the next step while we wait.
Pine Flavor "Neru Neru Neru Neru"
As before, let's measure out the water using the triangular cup and place "No. 1 Pine Powder" in the largest round section of the tray.
By the way, the fact that none of the pouches use kanji really shows that they are indeed made for children.
After adding the powder and water, let's "Neru Neru"!
This brings back memories from childhood!
Then, let's add "No. 2 Pine Powder!"
It’s starting to look like a weird color!
Once it puffs up, it’s complete.
Two Types of Sauce
Next, let's make two types of sauce.
Add "Orange Sauce Powder" into the well marked with a ★, and "Peach Sauce Powder" into the well marked with a ♪.
Use the familiar triangular cup to pour in the same amount of water.
Now that I think about it, it's surprisingly convenient that everything can be made using the same measuring cup.
Mix the water in, and it’s done!
Finally, all the components are ready! The "Neru Neru" I made seems to have puffed up too much, perhaps for overachieving?
It ended up looking a bit off...
Originally, I was supposed to mix the jelly I just made with "Neru Neru" to eat it, but I’d like to first experience the nostalgia and flash back to my childhood by trying "Neru Neru" on its own.
I'll sprinkle on about half of the "Shuwa Shuwa Topping."
As you can see, by sprinkling the "Shuwa Shuwa Topping" onto the "Neru Neru," it has become adorably cute!
Now, I want to try the "Neru Neru Neru Neru" with the "sauce" that I don't remember ever existing in the original release.
Let’s start with the orange!
Ah, it’s delicious. Unlike the previous "Neru Neru," the sauce is very fruity, thick, and simply the best. The sauce has a fruity flavor and surprisingly, it has a very positive effect on the "Neru Neru." I also tried the peach, and it too was not overly sweet, with a thick texture, providing a luxurious taste. Although the same sauce, each fruit flavor is robustly recreated, making it non-boring.
Finally, let's mix the jelly with "Neru Neru"!
By the way, the jelly feels very similar in texture to the tuna portion of the "Fun Sushi Restaurant" I made last time!
Jelly, here we go!
Well... it looks like it’s heading slightly in an odd direction again...
But I am indeed following the instructions and completing the mission.
This time, even with the “Shuwa Shuwa Topping,” the appearance didn’t really improve. I believe it’s because I cut the jelly into small pieces while trying to remove it. The package certainly gave an impression of larger cuts. What a careless mistake!
However, the flavor should undoubtedly deliver! Let's try it out.
Impression
The jelly part felt quite similar in taste to the sushi restaurant from last time. Mixing in this jelly provides a vastly richer texture and flavor variety compared to the usual "Neru Neru Neru Neru," making it satisfying even for those who find the traditional versions overwhelming.
The refreshing sweetness of the apple was very noticeable. The pairing with the pine-flavored "Neru Neru" was quite harmonious, exhibiting a combined effect like a seasoned couple helping each other out.
On its own, the neru neru is a pine flavor that is subtle yet tasty. Adding the aforementioned sauce creates a piece that is enjoyable right to the end and doesn’t become monotonous.
As a side note, I feel that chilling the jelly alone might elevate the quality further for a more enjoyable taste! I finished it all, but the resulting tray looked too messy for a photo this time! This version offers more flavors and processes than the traditional "Neru Neru Neru Neru," and is truly enjoyable in volume.
If you come across it in stores, make sure to give it a try! I love you, Kracie!
Thank you for the delicious treat!
