Does castella need to be refrigerated?

Hi,

I will be in Nagasaki at the end of the month. Since they are so well-known for their castella I was hoping to pick some up as a souvenir. But if they need to be refrigerated then it's out of the question. And if they don't need to be refrigerated would anyone know how long they keep for?



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It does not have to be refregarated at all. It is OK for 12 to 26 days, depends on the products. You have to ask about the best-beore date when purchase.

Different makers would have somewhat differing "best before" dates/period. I just looked at the website of Bunmeido (a very well-known brand), for example, and their online store says their "best before" date is about 12 days from the date of dispatch. So if you buy it in person from a store, it's probably 15 - 18 days or so.

I believe it comes in a sealed package inside the outer wrapping. Once you start cutting slices (once you open it), I believe it is better kept in a fridge and consumed soon. It contains eggs.

Thank you very much for your answers. Since I will be going to Nagasaki at the start of my trip I probably won't be picking up any castella as souvenirs. But I will certainly be eating my fair share when I'm in Nagasaki!

You can buy castella anywhere. Go to the Dept store basements and you'll usually see it. This is what I do, on my last day I go to the department stores in Ginza (or any good ones will do) and buy beautifully packaged food gifts for family & friends. Famous brands from all over Japan are represented: cakes, omanju, chocolates, wagashi, senbei.