Cherry Blossom Tree Cat

Cherry blossoms and leaves are edible and both are used as food ingredients in Japan:
• The blossoms are pickled in salt and Umezu (Ume vinegar), and is used for coaxing out flavor in Wagashi, (a traditional Japanese confectionery,) or Anpan, (a Japanese sweet bun, most-commonly filled with red bean paste.)
• Salt-pickled blossoms in hot water is called Sakurayu, and is drunk at festive events like weddings in place of Green tea.
• The leaves, mostly from the Ōshima cherry because of the softness, are also pickled in salted water and used for Sakuramochi.