Dragon's beard candy

Dragon's Beard Candy is a delightful traditional Chinese confection, reminiscent of cotton candy or floss halva. It is meticulously handcrafted and cherished within Chinese communities worldwide. While it boasts a high sugar content, it is low in saturated fat, making it an enjoyable treat. However, it has a short shelf life due to its sensitivity to moisture and temperature.

This candy has a rich history, tracing back to the Han Dynasty. It earned its name because the delicate strands resemble a dragon's beard. Although the craft faced significant challenges during the Cultural Revolution, it has since resurged in popularity and is now a beloved feature at street festivals and tourist attractions.

Crafting Dragon's Beard Candy is a true art form. The ingredients include sugar, maltose syrup, peanuts, coconut, sesame seeds, and glutinous rice flour. The preparation begins with boiling and melting the syrup, which is then shaped into a ring and methodically pulled, twisted, and stretched until it forms ultra-thin strands. These strands are subsequently wrapped around various fillings.

When compared to Western cotton candy, Dragon's Beard Candy contains less sugar but slightly more calories and fat due to the additional ingredients like peanuts and sesame seeds. Street vendors often captivate audiences with lively demonstrations while making it, though it is also readily available online.