Drum Tower Sesame Twist

Drum Tower Sesame Twist

　　　　Huai’an Sesame Twist is one of the local specialties of Huai’an. It is made from premium white flour, which is stretched into thread-thin strands resembling hemp fibers. These strands are then coiled into loops over four inches long and over an inch wide, interlinked to form comb-like, chrysanthemum-shaped, or other net-like patterns. The twists are then deep-fried in sesame oil until crispy, resulting in a deliciously fragrant and crunchy snack. Legend has it that Huai’an Sesame Twist has been produced since the late Qing Dynasty, boasting a history of over 100 years. In the fifth year of the Xianfeng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1885), Yue Wenguang, a master sesame twist maker near Zhenhuai Tower, improved the traditional recipe and created the renowned Drum Tower Sesame Twist, also known as Yue Family Sesame Twist. In the first year of the Xuantong reign (1909), it won an award at the Jiangsu Provincial Goods Exhibition. In 1930, it participated in the International Panama Exposition and was awarded a silver medal. It also received a quality award at the Beijing Food Fair. The making of Sesame Twist involves several steps including strand pulling, rolling, and frying.

( Huai’an )