Beniimo Tart

The beniimo tart is a Western style sweet made by baking a filling of Okinawan purple sweet potato over a crisp tart crust. Its striking vivid purple is the natural color of the sweet potato itself, and that beauty is one reason it is so widely loved as a classic Okinawan souvenir. Its refined sweetness makes it perfect with tea.

Highlights

This sweet offers a harmony of smooth, moist purple potato filling and a fragrant, buttery tart crust. The natural sweetness unique to purple sweet potato is restrained and refined, with a moreish appeal. Recently, richer versions using generous amounts of purple sweet potato and variations paired with cheese have also appeared.

Enjoying the Seasons

Available year round, the beniimo tart is a steadily popular treat enjoyed in any season. Eaten lightly chilled, the filling becomes even smoother on the palate, making it a fine summer snack. Paired with warm tea or coffee, it sets the scene for a tea time spent savoring the afterglow of your trip.

Access and Basic Information

It is widely sold at confectioners, the airport, and souvenir shops across the prefecture, including Okashi Goten in Onna Village. Some shops that make and sell on site offer factory tours, where you can buy products close to freshly made. Individually wrapped and keeping well, it is ideal as a souvenir to share with colleagues or family.

A Quick Tip

As a souvenir, choosing individually wrapped items with plenty of time before the best by date brings peace of mind. Since sweetness and texture differ by maker, compare them where samples are offered and find your favorite. Lightly chilling it in the refrigerator is the recommended way to eat it.