Fruits are indispensable during the Lunar New Year celebrations for Vietnamese and Asian families. However, with the Lunar New Year lasting over a week, how can you keep your offerings and treats fresh? Check out these three tips to ensure your fruits stay fresh and delicious throughout the festive period.
1Preserving Water-rich Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are a must-have during the New Year celebrations. To keep them fresh, apply lime to the stems to ensure they last throughout the festive period.
Preserving Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a popular vegetable side dish, especially with greasy foods. During the New Year, mothers often buy cucumbers in bulk but worry about them wilting. However, you can keep cucumbers fresh by using a small bowl of slightly salted water and soaking the cucumber stems in it to about a third of the cucumber’s height. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and remember to change the water daily. You’ll be surprised that cucumbers can stay fresh for several weeks.
Preserving Watermelons
Traditional Lunar New Year treats like sticky rice cakes and watermelons are found in every household during the festivities. To prevent watermelons from becoming spongy, soak them in a 15% salt water solution for half an hour. Then, dry and store them in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Source: 24h.com.vn
Frequently asked questions
Fruits are an indispensable part of the Lunar New Year celebrations for Vietnamese and Asian families. They are symbolic and add a touch of freshness and color to the festive spread.
Preserving different types of fruits requires specific techniques. For water-rich citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, apply lime to the stems to keep them fresh. For cucumbers, use slightly salted water and soak the stems up to a third of their height, then refrigerate. To prevent watermelons from becoming spongy, soak them in a 15% salt water solution for 30 minutes, then dry and store them in a cool, well-ventilated area.
In addition to fruits, drinks, sausages, pork pies, and sticky rice cakes also require special attention to stay fresh. For specific tips on preserving these items, refer to the recommended sources for the Lunar New Year.
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