Tanghulu - Candied hawthorns
The next dish mentioned in the list of the most popular street foods in China is Tanghulu. It is a classic Northern Chinese delicacy made out of many Chinese hawthorn fruits. Tanghulu is also an indispensable snack during holidays, especially Chinese New Year. Tanghulu made since the Song Dynasty, this sour and sweet dessert is still well-liked in northern China.
The Chinese hawthorn berry resembles a little sour crab apple-like berry. In order to transform the berries into the well-liked street snack called Tanghulu, merchants arrange many berries onto a bamboo skewer and cover them in sugar. The end product is a chewy, acidic fruit encased in a sweet, crispy coating. Hawkers may top the treat with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
The fruit often used for fruit skewering is Chinese hawthorn, but in more recent years, merchants have started using a variety of other fruits, including cherry tomatoes, bananas, kiwifruit, pineapples, blueberries, strawberries, and grapes. Before being skewered and dipped, the hawthorn pits and seeds are typically emptied and filled with sweet red bean paste.
In addition to being a tasty and celebratory snack, the fruit and plant of the hawthorn tree have been used in traditional Chinese medicine since the seventh century. For example, berries are a highly valued digestive aid and have been linked to cardiovascular benefits in multiple studies. However, Tanghulu's long-term intake may not be appropriate for diabetics or anyone with other medical issues due to its high sugar content.
