The best way to close an impeccable kaiseki meal is perhaps a piece of seasonal, perfectly ripe fruit. A small pile of peeled Concord grapes or a honey-sweet muskmelon signal the time of year and leave the palate clean and refreshed. There are, however, a few popular washoku desserts that may be prepared simply that will serve just as well.
While Western dessert items rely on flour, butter, cream and sugar, washoku desserts are comprised mostly of gelatins, starches, sugars, beans, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, fruits and rice flours.
Westerners might perceive Japanese desserts as being exceptionally sweet, and in many cases they are right. Washoku desserts evolved from ultra-sweet tea accompaniments and are often still served with some kind of tea, or with the bitter matcha of the tea ceremony. However, taken in moderate amounts, these washoku desserts can be a fitting finale to a well-balanced traditional meal.