Osmanthus sugar

Osmanthus sugar

　　Produced in Taoyuan, it is deeply loved by the people. Originally known as "foreign sugar" from Zoushi, it originated in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Its predecessor was the tube-shaped candy from the rural areas of Taoyuan. The tube-shaped candy was coated with sesame seeds on the outside and solid inside. In the past, it was presented to county magistrates and military governors, and as a tribute sent to the imperial court, where it was listed as a “fine product” and commended. From then on, it gained great fame and was distributed far and wide by merchants, even crossing the seas and being sold abroad, which is how it got the name “foreign sugar.” Today, Taoyuan osmanthus sugar is popular with tourists for being “thin, crispy, fragrant, and refreshing.” It not only tastes delicious and leaves a lingering fragrance in the mouth, but also helps strengthen the spleen and lungs, aids digestion, resolves phlegm, and nourishes the spirit.