カステラ
かすてら
noun
castella sponge cake
1.
castella sponge cake
A Japanese sponge cake originally introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. Made with sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup, it has a moist, dense texture.
カステラを切る。
To cut castella.
長崎のカステラはおみやげに人気がある。
Nagasaki castella is popular as a souvenir.
おばあちゃんがカステラを焼いてくれたので、緑茶と一緒に食べた。
Grandma baked castella for us, so we had it with green tea.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Portuguese "pao de Castela" (bread of Castile). Introduced to Japan through 長崎 during the Portuguese trade era in the 16th century.
CULTURAL NOTE:
長崎カステラ is the most famous variety. The bottom of a traditional castella has a thin, slightly crunchy sugar layer called ザラメ. Castella is a standard gift item and pairs well with Japanese tea.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 長崎カステラ: Nagasaki castella
- カステラの底: bottom of castella (prized for the sugar crystals)
- 抹茶カステラ: matcha-flavored castella