Tanghulu is a delicious treat that translates to “candied hawthorn” in English. It’s a popular street snack in China that features fruit coated in a hard candy shell. While traditional tanghulu uses hawthorn berries, you can use various fruits like strawberries or grapes. This tasty dessert has a unique sweet and slightly tangy flavor that is loved by many.
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Why make this recipe
Making tanghulu is a fun and rewarding experience! It is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to enjoy fresh fruit with a sweet twist. This recipe allows you to customize the fruit based on what you like or what is in season. Plus, it’s a great treat for parties or gatherings, impressing friends and family with its beautiful appearance and delightful taste.
How to make Tanghulu
Ingredients :
- Fruit (like strawberries or hawthorn berries)
- Sugar
- Water
Directions :
- Wash the fruit and dry it completely.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water in a 2:1 ratio (for example, 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water).
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and begins to boil.
- Allow the syrup to cook until it reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C).
- Skewering the fruit, dip it into the syrup, covering it completely.
- Place the coated fruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and harden.
Tanghulu
Tanghulu is a popular Chinese street snack featuring fruit coated in a hard candy shell, offering a unique sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- Fruit (like strawberries or hawthorn berries)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Wash the fruit and dry it completely.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water in a 2:1 ratio.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and begins to boil.
- Allow the syrup to cook until it reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C).
- Skewering the fruit, dip it into the syrup, covering it completely.
- Place the coated fruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and harden.
Notes
Make sure the fruit is dry to ensure the sugar coats well. Use a candy thermometer for perfect results. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to serve
Serve tanghulu as a sweet snack or dessert. You can present them on a platter, garnished with mint leaves for a pop of color. They are best enjoyed fresh when the candy coating is crispy and the fruit is juicy.
How to store
To store tanghulu, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as this can make the candy coating sticky. Enjoy them within a few days for the best taste and texture.
Tips
- Make sure the fruit is dry; any water can cause the sugar to clump and not coat well.
- Use a candy thermometer to check the syrup’s temperature for perfect results.
- Experiment with different fruits to find your favorite combination.
Variations
You can try making tanghulu with different fruits like grapes, apples, or even bananas. Each fruit brings its own flavor to the candy, making it fun to experiment!
FAQs
1. Can I use fruits other than hawthorn berries?
Yes, you can use various fruits like strawberries, grapes, or any small fruit that can be skewered.
2. How do I know when the syrup is ready?
Use a candy thermometer to check if the syrup reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C).
3. Can I make tanghulu ahead of time?
It’s best to make tanghulu fresh for the best texture. However, they can be stored for a few days.
Conclusion
Tanghulu is an easy and delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you choose traditional hawthorn or other fruits, this recipe is a simple way to create a unique dessert. Try making tanghulu today, and enjoy the crunchy candy shell with fresh, sweet fruit!
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