Tanghulu

Tanghulu, also known as bingtanghulu, is a cherished traditional snack from Northern China. This delightful treat features fruit, most commonly Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida), encased in a hard candy shell and served on bamboo skewers.

Tanghulu has been a favorite since the Song Dynasty and remains prevalent today, especially in northern China. While it might resemble regular candied fruit, tanghulu stands out because the fruit is coated in a hard sugar syrup, giving it a distinctive crunch.

The name tanghulu translates to "sugar bottle gourd" or "rock sugar bottle gourd" inspired by the sugar coating and the gourd-like shape of the skewer. Traditionally, Chinese hawthorn is the fruit of choice, but contemporary variations include an array of fruits such as cherry tomatoes, mandarin oranges, strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, kiwifruit, bananas, and grapes.

A popular twist on the classic recipe involves removing the pits from the hawthorn and filling the fruit with sweet red bean paste before skewering and dipping it in the sugary syrup. This delicious snack continues to be an integral part of Chinese culinary culture, offering a sweet and crunchy treat for all to enjoy.