What is Tanghulu

Tanghulu, also known as Bing Tanghulu, is a traditional northern Chinese snack. It is made from fruits, often hawthorn berries, skewered on bamboo sticks that are coated in hard sugar syrup.

While hawthorn berries are traditional, other fruits can also be used in Tanghulu, including strawberries, kiwi, bananas, blueberries, and grapes.

Although the fruit skewered in Tanghulu is healthy, the sugar coating is high in calories and offers little nutritional value. In moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Tanghulu is typically sold on the street, at fairs, and in markets in China.

Tanghulu is best consumed immediately after it's made. The sugar shell tends to absorb moisture from the air and loses its crispness after a few hours.

Tanghulu has a unique texture with a hard sugar shell on the outside and soft fruit on the inside.

A candy thermometer is recommended to ensure the sugar syrup reaches the correct 'hard crack' stage, which is between 300° F and 310° F.

Yes, Tanghulu is gluten-free.

Tanghulu is originally from Northern China.

The sugar syrup in Tanghulu is made by dissolving sugar in water and boiling it until it reaches the 'hard crack' stage.

Tanghulu has a sweet and slightly sour taste, with a crisp sugar shell that contrasts with the soft fruit inside.

Yes, Tanghulu can be made at home. All that's needed are fruits of your choice, bamboo skewers, sugar, and water.

Yes, Tanghulu is vegan as it's made with fruit and sugar.

Traditionally, Tanghulu is made with a hard sugar shell. Using honey may not offer the same crisp texture.

Using frozen fruit in Tanghulu may make it difficult for the sugar syrup to adhere properly.

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.