Frozen Fruits

Frozen Fruits

　　As a representative of northern cities, Harbin is cold and dry in winter, so locals love to eat fruits after freezing them. On one hand, the chilled fruits are refreshing and appetizing; on the other, they develop unique flavors not found in their fresh state—definitely a must-try when visiting Harbin in winter. The main frozen fruits in Harbin include frozen pears, with frozen apples and pears being the most delicious, as well as frozen persimmons. A bite into one, with its icy crunch, is sweet and truly delightful.

　　Instead of eating various fresh fruits right away, people process and freeze them solid before enjoying them—just like the residents of Ice City who love to eat candied haws, frozen pears, and frozen persimmons in winter. Among some Harbin residents, there has been a growing trend of making frozen fruits at home.

　　According to some residents skilled in making their own frozen fruits, whether it’s apples, pears, bananas, or grapes, all can be processed and frozen. The method is very simple: just wash the fruits, put them in plastic bags, and freeze them on the balcony or in the freezer. The longer they freeze, the better the effect. However, when freezing bananas, the peel should be removed first; grapes should be taken off the bunch and frozen individually. Oranges should not be frozen, as freezing makes them turn bitter and ruins the taste.

　　Frozen fruits taste even more delicious. For example, when thawed, apples become sweet and soft, while individual frozen grapes offer a balanced sweet-and-sour flavor with a cool, refreshing bite. They’re especially refreshing to eat after drinking alcohol or when the room temperature is too hot.