Huangtan Sugar

Huangtan Sugar

　　Huangtan Sugar is a traditional folk specialty from Huangtan Town, Wencheng County, Wenzhou City. It is said to have originated during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. For generations, it has enjoyed a great reputation in the Wenzhou and Lishui regions. Made primarily from premium glutinous rice, Huangtan Sugar is fermented with malt and flavored with sesame, mint oil, and raw nuts. It is crafted into crispy sugar threads, chewy candy, and a variety of beautifully designed sugar cakes, all sweet and delicious. This traditional food processing technique from Huangtan flourished especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and was widely sold across southern Zhejiang and northern Fujian, earning a longstanding fine reputation.

　　The so-called “Huangtan Sugar” is actually a type of maltose, made from high-quality glutinous rice and premium malt. The starch is extracted using traditional methods, resulting in a texture that is crisp, moderately sweet, and pleasant on the palate. Because the vendors who made and sold this sugar were predominantly from Huangtan in Wencheng, it came to be known as “Huangtan Sugar.”

　　For over a hundred years, “Huangtan Sugar” has been widely popular in Wencheng and Taishun in Wenzhou, as well as in nearby Lishui’s Jingning and Qingtian. It served as a key dessert for locals during festivals and family gatherings. The sight of candy sellers carrying shoulder poles and walking through streets and alleys became a cherished childhood memory for many. However, after the reform and opening up, with the rise of various candies and chocolates, Huangtan Sugar gradually declined in popularity and drew little attention. As a result, fewer and fewer people from Huangtan continued to make it, pushing this craftsmanship to the brink of being lost. But in recent years, with rising living standards and growing health awareness, people have begun seeking green and healthy diets. Since Huangtan Sugar is made only from glutinous rice and malt, contains no artificial additives, is entirely handmade, and boasts a delightful taste, it has gradually regained public favor.