Crystal Candied Melon

Crystal Candied Melon

　　Crystal Candied Melon

　　The winter melon candied fruit from Yuxi City, in shape and color indistinguishable from crystal, is hailed as “Crystal Candied Melon.” It tastes cool and refreshing, crisp and tender with no residue. Sweet yet not cloying, it also helps promote saliva production and moisten the lungs.

　　Legend has it that the making of candied fruits in Yuxi began in the late Ming Dynasty (after 1573), and by the early years of the Republic of China (after 1921), Tang Jiarong of Fengxiangzhai, a pastry workshop in the state city, created this new variety—Crystal Candied Melon—by building on the traditional “Amber Candied Fruit.” The production method involves selecting high-quality winter melon, slicing it, and soaking and rinsing it multiple times in limewater until it turns transparent. It is then soaked and recooked in premium white sugar syrup. Although the Yuxi People's Food Factory now produces it in large quantities, it still adheres to meticulous handcrafting methods, particularly insisting on not substituting chemicals for lime in order to maintain product quality and ensure human health.

　　The well-regarded Yuxi Crystal Candied Melon is of higher quality than similar products from other regions. Its price is only comparable to that of mid-range pastries. Truly a great value, it is a famous local specialty beloved by residents and favored by travelers. This product was

　　rated as a high-quality product at the provincial food industry conference in 1982. In addition to being sold throughout the province, it is also very popular in places like Beijing and Fujian.

　　In recent years, the Yuxi People's Food Factory has also developed canned Crystal Candied Melon, where the candied fruit is soaked in honey syrup. Its flavor surpasses that of boxed block-style Crystal Candied Melon and is even more popular with customers.