memories of japan: leaf of the momiji or japanese red maple

this is one of japan's most exquisite tree. leaves start as rusty red and mature to green. momiji can easily be shaped and trained to make bonsai. as a member of the maple family, momiji undergoes seasonal transformation, making the hills near osaka and kobe, where i first saw japanese maple, burst into a palette of autumn colors. momiji leaves are used to wrap sushi kyoto-style. for shaping the rice, soft momiji leaves are laid inside a long and narrow box, then the ingredients of sushi are placed above the leaves, the leaves rolled over and the whole preparation compacted by a wooden cover. near osaka, momiji leaves are dipped in tempura batter, deep fried and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon for an unusual and seasonal snack.

momiji the stuff of art—horticultural and culinary