# Fried Maple Leaf Snacks The Japanese People of Minoo City Eat Crispy Foliage By Meghan Young | Published 2014-10-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fried-maple-leaf References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2014/10/03/Fried-Maple-Leaves/) & [kotaku](http://kotaku.com/time-to-eat-fried-leaves-in-japan-1641570730) The maple leaf might be the [national symbol for Canadians](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadiana-donut-menu), but in Japan, fried maple leaf is a tasty snack to be devoured with gusto. Although it might be the ultimate fall treat, there is much to work to be had before indulging in a fried maple leaf or two. Not only do they have to be collected once every turn of the season, the leaves are then preserved in salt for more than a year. Once properly prepared, the maple leaves are fried in a sweet batter for about 20 minutes, resulting in a dessert that is not only tasty, but pretty as well. Dubbed 'momiji,' the fried maple leaf is made by the [Japanese people of Minoo City](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-snacks-for-halloween). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Unique Snack Experiences:** Opportunity to create innovative and distinctive snack options that provide consumers with new and exciting flavor profiles. - **Preserving Nature's Bounty:** Opportunity to explore preservation techniques for unique natural ingredients, opening up possibilities for new culinary creations. - **Cultural Culinary Fusions:** Opportunity to blend traditional recipes and ingredients from different cultures to create fusion snacks that appeal to a diverse consumer base. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** Innovative techniques for preserving and preparing unique ingredients can lead to the development of niche snack products within the food and beverage industry. - **Tourism:** Creating unique culinary experiences, such as fried maple leaf snacks, can attract tourists and contribute to the growth of the tourism industry. - **Food Packaging and Delivery:** Developing specialized packaging and delivery methods for delicate and unique snacks, like fried maple leaf, can cater to the increasing demand for gourmet and exotic food experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Maple Butter Hand Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-butter-pancake-pie.md) - [Canadiana Sandwich Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-cream-sandwich-cookies.md) - [Autumn-Themed Japanese Snack Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autumn-splendor.md) - [Curated Fall-Inspired Snack Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakuraco-autumn-collection.md) - [Artisan Autumnal Donut Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/krispy-kreme-japan-autumn.md) - [Maple-Flavored Tin Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spam-maple-flavored.md) - [Miniture Maple-Flavored Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-maple-flavored-marshmallows.md) - [Maple Leaf-Shaped Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-leaf-pasta.md) - [Cirsp Maple-Glazed Crullers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trader-joes-glazed-maple-donuts.md)