Tanghulu

Tanghulu

Tanghulu, also known as Bingtanghulu, is a traditional Chinese snack that originated from northern China. It is a popular street food, especially during the winter season. The snack is made by coating fruits, typically hawthorn berries, with a hard candy shell.

History

The history of Tanghulu dates back to the Song Dynasty. It was initially a palace dessert, but later became popular among the common people. The name "Tanghulu" is derived from the Chinese words "tang" (sugar) and "hulu" (hawthorn).

Preparation

The preparation of Tanghulu involves skewering the fruits on a bamboo stick, dipping them in sugar syrup, and then letting them harden. The sugar syrup gives the fruits a shiny, hard candy coating. While hawthorn is the traditional fruit used, other fruits like strawberries, kiwi, bananas, or grapes can also be used.

Cultural Significance

Tanghulu holds a significant place in Chinese culture. It is often associated with the Chinese New Year and other traditional festivals. It is also a symbol of the city of Beijing, where it is a common sight on the streets, especially during the winter season.

Variations

There are several variations of Tanghulu. Some versions use a mixture of different fruits, while others add additional flavorings like sesame seeds or chocolate. In recent years, a trend has emerged of making Tanghulu with exotic fruits or even savory ingredients like cherry tomatoes.

Health Benefits

Despite being a candy, Tanghulu has some health benefits due to the fruits used. Hawthorn berries, the traditional fruit used in Tanghulu, are known for their high nutritional value and health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and can aid digestion.

See Also

• Chinese Cuisine
• Street Food
• Chinese New Year
• Beijing

References

• Chinese Food Culture
• History of Chinese Cuisine
• Traditional Chinese Festivals