If you’re a fan of Chinese historical dramas, you’ve likely heard of tanghulu, a traditional candy that often makes an appearance in these shows. If you’re curious to know more about this tasty treat, its origins, and its significance in Chinese culture, read on!
1What is Tanghulu? Its Significance in Chinese Culture
An Introduction to Tanghulu
Tanghulu, or bing tanghulu in Mandarin, is a traditional Chinese candy that has been around for centuries. It consists of fruit skewered on a stick and coated in a layer of sugar, creating a delicious street snack that is loved by both adults and children alike.
Tanghulu, a colorful and tasty treat
The vibrant red color of the candy, combined with the sweet taste of the sugar and the refreshing fruit, makes it hard to resist. While it was traditionally made with hawthorn berries, modern variations feature a variety of fruits coated in colorful syrup.
The Meaning of Tanghulu
In Chinese culture, the vibrant red color of tanghulu is believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who eat it. Additionally, the round, plump shape of the candy symbolizes abundance and prosperity, making it a popular treat during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Tanghulu, a symbol of luck and prosperity
In China, tanghulu is a year-round street food favorite, but it is especially popular during the New Year celebrations. The Qingdao Tanghulu Festival, held annually on January 9th, attracts tourists and locals alike with its 700-year-old tradition of celebrating this delicious treat.
2The History of Tanghulu
During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), a concubine of Emperor Guangzong suffered from depression, a rare and incurable disease at the time. A folk doctor suggested coating 5-10 hawthorn berries in sugar and having her eat them before each meal. To everyone’s surprise, the concubine’s health improved significantly after just two weeks of this treatment. Thus, tanghulu became a popular snack, passing from generation to generation until it became the beloved street food we know today.
The history of tanghulu dates back to the Song Dynasty
3How to Make Fruit Tanghulu at Home
If you can’t make it to China to try this delicious treat, why not try making your own tanghulu at home? It’s a simple and fun way to enjoy this traditional candy with your own creative twist.
Preparation
15 minutesCooking
30 minutesServes
2 – 3 people
Ingredients for Fruit Tanghulu
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6 – 9 strawberries
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3-6 grapes
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3-6 tangerines
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200 ml water
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200g sugar
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Note: You can adjust the amount and type of fruit according to your preference.
Tip for choosing tangerines: Go for slightly flat ones with a shiny, thin skin. They should feel firm but not too hard or soft. Tip for choosing grapes: Look for plump, shiny grapes with intact skins.
Instructions for Making Fruit Tanghulu
Step 1 Prepare the Fruit
Wash the strawberries, grapes, and tangerines thoroughly and let them dry. Cut the stems off the strawberries, peel the tangerines, and skewer the fruit onto bamboo sticks.
Prepare the fruit by washing and skewering
Step 2 Make the Sugar Coating
In a pot, combine 200g of sugar with 200ml of water and bring to a boil. Continue boiling until the mixture becomes a thick syrup. You can add a few slices of strawberry to the syrup for extra flavor.
Boil the sugar and water to create a syrup
Drizzle the hot syrup over the skewered fruit, allowing it to cool and harden. And that’s it! Your homemade tanghulu is ready to be enjoyed.
Drizzle the syrup over the fruit and enjoy!
Step 3 Enjoy Your Tanghulu!
With just two simple steps, you’ve created a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of candy with the freshness of fruit. It’s a perfect snack for any occasion!
Your homemade tanghulu is ready to be enjoyed
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of tanghulu, a beloved Chinese candy. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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Frequently asked questions
Tanghulu, or bing tanghulu in Mandarin, is a traditional Chinese candy that has been enjoyed for centuries. It consists of fruit skewered on a stick and coated in a layer of sugar. The vibrant red color and round, plump shape of the candy are believed to bring good luck and symbolize abundance, making it a popular treat during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Tanghulu dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is said that a concubine of Emperor Guangzong suffered from depression, and a folk doctor suggested coating hawthorn berries in sugar as a treatment. Her health improved significantly, and tanghulu became a popular snack, passing down through the generations.
You will need fruit of your choice (strawberries, grapes, tangerines, etc.), sugar, water, and bamboo sticks. Prepare the fruit by washing and skewering it, then boil sugar and water to create a syrup. Drizzle the hot syrup over the skewered fruit and allow it to cool and harden. Your homemade tanghulu is now ready to be enjoyed!