Everyone Says I Love Hawthorns
Deeply rooted in Chinese culinary culture for centuries, hawthorns (also known as Shan Zha) have been cherished and enjoyed in various forms, both for its taste and its health benefits.
As hawthorn trees are native to China, its cultivation can be traced back to as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The fruit of the hawthorn tree has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for its medicinal properties, particularly for digestion and cardiovascular health.
In Chinese cuisine, hawthorn is widely used as both a flavouring and a medicinal ingredient. The sour and slightly sweet taste of hawthorn berries makes them popular for making various food products. Dried hawthorn slices are often used to make herbal teas, candies, and snacks. One of the most famous hawthorn-based snacks in China is "Shan Zha Cake," which are sweet and tangy fruit rolls made from hawthorn pulp.
Hawthorn is also a key ingredient in traditional Chinese dishes. It is used to make sauces, jams, and pickles, and is often paired with meats, such as Peking Roasted Duck or pork, to enhance flavour and aid digestion. Another kids' favourite snack is "Tanghulu," , which consists of skewered hawthorn berries coated in sugar syrup, creating a delightful combination of sweet and sour flavours.
(photo credit:www.gspst.com)
Jul 5 by Jingzi