Tanghulu Candy

Tanghulu Candy

Tanghulu Candy is one of the uniquely flavored traditional sweets, with production dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Originally called Liaohua Candy, it was renamed Tanghulu Candy in the Qing Dynasty. It is made from glutinous rice, sesame seeds, white sugar, maltose, and other ingredients, and undergoes more than thirty processes such as dough preparation, puffing, and shaping. Its characteristics include a golden yellow base, a surface coated with sesame seeds, and a fluffy, net-like, crispy, sweet interior. During the Kangxi era, the scholar Wen Yi praised it in poetry: “Red carpets extend with green tassels, golden platters adorned with milk pearls. Subtle fragrance and cool elegance, accompany the passing of seasons.” “Inherently pure as ice and snow, its heart as open as a valley. Shape and color resembling lotus roots, its flavor told to one’s father.” This confection was offered as a tribute during the Qing Dynasty. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, while inheriting traditional craftsmanship, improvements were made to the techniques and production was expanded. It has become a widely loved and popular food among the people. Although imitations are now made in various counties, only the Sanyuan Tanghulu Candy remains best-selling across China and in Hong Kong and Macao, maintaining its enduring reputation.