noun
dry Japanese confectionery; dry Japanese sweets
Refers to traditional Japanese sweets that are dried and have a firm texture, often served with tea. Contrasts with 生菓子 (fresh/soft confectionery).
茶道では、干菓子がよく出されます。
In tea ceremony, dry Japanese sweets are often served.
この干菓子は和三盆で作られています。
These dry sweets are made with wasanbon sugar.
Compound of 干 (hi, 'dry') + 菓子 (kashi, 'confectionery'). The reading ひがし is a rendaku form of かし.