Tanghulu
Tanghulu is a popular Chinese street food, often enjoyed as a sweet and crunchy treat. It consists of fruits, typically hawthorn berries, skewered on sticks and coated in a hard, glossy sugar syrup. The syrup hardens quickly upon cooling, creating a satisfying crunch when bitten into, contrasting with the juicy fruit inside. Tanghulu is typically enjoyed during the winter months, especially in northern China, and has become a beloved snack at festivals, markets, and celebrations. While hawthorn berries are the traditional choice, other fruits like strawberries, grapes, and oranges are sometimes used, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet. This treat’s vibrant appearance and irresistible crunch have made it a favorite among both children and adults.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh hawthorn berries (or fruit of choice, such as strawberries, grapes, or oranges)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, for added smoothness)
- Skewers or wooden sticks
Calories:
A serving of Tanghulu (approximately 4 pieces of fruit on skewers) contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the fruit used and the amount of sugar in the syrup.
How to Cook:
- Rinse and dry the fruit thoroughly. If using hawthorn berries, remove the seeds.
- Insert skewers into the fruit, placing 4-5 pieces per stick.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Dip the skewered fruit into the hot syrup, ensuring it’s fully coated. Hold the skewers over parchment paper to cool and harden for about 10-15 minutes.
History:
Tanghulu dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and was originally made with hawthorn berries, believed to have medicinal benefits. It became widely popular as a street food in northern China during the 1980s and 1990s. The bright, sugary snack has since spread across the world, making appearances in various forms at festivals and markets globally.
