Tanghulu, a delightful confection originating from China, stands out among sweet treats, offering a dazzling candy-coated experience for your tastebuds. Evolving into a beloved street food sensation, it has become a symbol of festive celebrations.
With its roots tracing back to ancient China, specifically the Guanzhong region before the Song Dynasty, tanghulu was initially created to help a dynasty member gain weight. The skewered fruit tree, originally made with hawthorn branches for good luck and prosperity, has transformed over time to include a vibrant array of fruits like strawberries, grapes, and pineapples.
Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack consisting of skewered and candied fruits, typically served on a stick. The fruits, often hawthorn berries, strawberries, grapes, or pineapples, are coated in a hardened sugar glaze, creating a sweet and crunchy outer layer.
Tanghulu is enjoyed as a popular street food and is closely associated with festive occasions, celebrations, and traditional Chinese New Year festivities. It is commonly consumed as a treat during various festivals and joyful gatherings, symbolising sweetness and good fortune.
Global Appreciation and Adaptations
Originating in China, tanghulu has gained global popularity, delighting food enthusiasts worldwide. Different cultures have embraced this candy-coated fruit concept with unique variations.
In Japan, a comparable treat called 'ringo-amе' features fruit coated in a shiny candy glaze. Meanwhile, in the West, candy apples have become a beloved fair and carnival classic, showcasing the diversity of interpretations of sugar-coated fruit across cultures.
Tanghulu's transcending of cultural boundaries is evident in its adoption and adaptation in various forms across the globe. For example, in South Korea, a similar treat known as "Bungeo-ppang" features fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, reflecting a fusion of cultural elements.
In the West, particularly during Christmas markets, you'll find candy-coated fruits like toffee apple, caramel apple, etc. resembling tanghulu, showcasing a cross-cultural appreciation for this delightful treat. The concept has even inspired artisanal variations, like gourmet candied apples and other fruit creations in Western dessert culture.
Tanghulu Recipe
Ingredients:
16 firm pieces of assorted fruits, stems removed, washed, and dried
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup of water
Tools You'll Need:
Non-stick metal baking sheet
Deep-fry candy thermometer
Stainless steel saucepan
Bamboo skewers
Video Credit: Youtube/Trivina Kitchen
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and completely dry the strawberries. Ensure they are dry, as syrup won't adhere to wet fruit.
Spear 1 or 2 strawberries per bamboo skewer.
Step 2: Set up the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet or large plates with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 3: Create the Sugar Mixture
Clip a candy thermometer to the inside of the saucepan.
Heat sugar and water over medium heat until reaching the hard-crack stage (300–315 °F), approximately 10 minutes. Do not stir.
Step 4: Dip the Strawberries
Tilt the saucepan and dip skewered strawberries in the syrup, rotating to cover them entirely.
Allow excess syrup to drip off and place skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining skewers.
Step 5: Allow to Harden
Let the candy shell harden completely before removing it from the parchment paper, which should take a few minutes.
Tanghulu, especially those made with firmer, less juicy fruits, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, be cautious, as the candy shell may become harder and the fruit may not hold up well due to slight cooking by the hot syrup.
Tips and variations
1. Experience with Fruit Combinations:
Feel free to get creative with different fruit combinations. Consider mixing textures and flavours for a diverse assortment.
2. Add a Twist with Nuts:
Elevate your tanghulu by incorporating nuts like peas or almonds. The combination of crunchy nuts and a thin, glossy coating adds a delightful contrast.
3. Play with Colours:
Enhance the visual appeal by using fruits with vibrant colors. The contrast between the glossy sugar coating and the natural hues of the fruits creates a visually stunning texture.
4. Incorporatе Flavours:
Infuse the sugar syrup with flavours like vanilla, citrus zest, or a hint of spice to add an extra layer of complexity to your tanghulu.
Crafting tanghulu at home not only allows you to savour its sweet delights but also provides a creative and interactive еxpеriеncе. So, gather your favourite fruits, sugar, and skеwеrs and embark on a journey to create your own ediblе mastеrpiеcе—a symphony of spoons on a stick that embody the rich cultural heritage and culinary ingеnuity of tanghulu.