Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese candied fruit snack made by coating fresh fruit with a hard sugar shell. Here are the key ingredients used to make tanghulu.
What is tanghulu made of?
Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese candied fruit snack made by coating fresh fruit with a hard sugar shell. Here are the key ingredients used to make tanghulu:
Fruit
The most common fruits used for tanghulu are:
- Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, strawberries are a popular choice. Their bright red color is visually appealing.
- Grapes: Green or red grapes provide a tasty and refreshing option. The small size of grapes also makes them easy to skewer.
- Kiwi: Tart and tangy, kiwi makes an interesting and unique flavor for tanghulu. The green or yellow color also adds visual interest.
- Mandarin oranges: Small and easy to skewer, mandarin oranges provide a burst of juicy sweetness that complements the candy coating.
Other fruits like pineapple, blueberries, and crab apples can also be used.
Sugar
The sugar coating is typically made from:
- Granulated white sugar: This is the most common type of sugar used for tanghulu. It creates a transparent, crunchy shell.
- Honey or maltose syrup: These ingredients may be added to the sugar syrup to create a stickier, more viscous coating. They can also influence the color slightly, turning the tanghulu faintly brownish.
Water
Water is combined with the sugar to create the syrup that coats the fruit.
To make tanghulu, the fruit is skewered, then dipped into the hot sugar syrup that has been heated to the hard crack stage (300°F). The coated fruit is then immediately dunked into ice water to quickly harden the candy shell.
Make a Tanghulu at Home
To make Tanghulu at home, follow these simple steps to create this delicious candied fruit treat:
Ingredients
- Fruits: Choose firm fruits like strawberries, grapes, kiwi, or pineapple (about ½ pound).
- Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar.
- Water: ½ cup.
- Ice Water: For setting the candy shell.
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits:
- Wash and thoroughly dry your chosen fruits. If using larger fruits, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Insert the fruits onto wooden skewers, using 1-3 pieces per skewer depending on size.
- Make the Sugar Syrup:
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and continue cooking until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the syrup by dipping a spoon into it and then into ice water; it should harden immediately.
- Coat the Fruits:
- Once the syrup is ready, quickly dip each skewer of fruit into the hot syrup, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow excess syrup to drip off.
- Immediately dip the coated fruit into a bowl of ice water for 2-4 seconds to help the syrup harden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate to cool completely. Enjoy your Tanghulu immediately for the best texture, as the candy shell will become less crunchy over time.
Tips
- Fruit Selection: Use firm fruits to prevent them from becoming mushy when coated.
- Work Quickly: The syrup hardens fast, so prepare everything in advance.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
What are the best fruits to use for Tanghulu
This recipe provides a delightful way to enjoy candied fruits with a satisfying crunch and sweet flavor! Enjoy your homemade Tanghulu!
The best fruits to use for Tanghulu are those that are firm, have smooth skins, and do not brown easily. Here are some top recommendations:
- Strawberries: A popular choice, especially when slightly unripe for better firmness.
- Grapes: Green grapes work well, providing a sweet and juicy contrast to the candy coating.
- Blueberries: Their small size and firmness make them ideal for skewering and coating.
- Kiwi: Sliced kiwi can add a unique flavor and vibrant color.
- Mandarin Oranges: These can be used for a citrusy twist.
- Pineapple Chunks: Their sweetness and firmness make them a delightful option.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Surprisingly, they can also be used, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Fruits to avoid include softer varieties like raspberries and blackberries, which may not hold up well under the weight of the sugar coating
What are some creative fruit combinations for Tanghulu
Creative Fruit Combinations
- Strawberry and Pineapple: The sweetness of strawberries pairs well with the tangy flavor of pineapple, creating a refreshing combination.
- Grapes and Kiwi: A mix of juicy green grapes with tart kiwi slices offers a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
- Blueberries and Mandarin Oranges: The sweetness of blueberries combined with the citrusy zing of mandarin oranges makes for a vibrant and tasty skewer.
- Cherry Tomatoes and Basil: For a savory twist, use cherry tomatoes with a sprinkle of fresh basil. This unconventional combination provides a unique flavor profile.
- Mango and Coconut: Candied mango chunks can be paired with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair.
- Dragon Fruit and Lychee: These exotic fruits not only look stunning together but also provide a sweet and juicy experience.
- Rambutan and Grapes: The sweet, juicy flesh of rambutan complements the crispness of grapes, making for an interesting and appealing skewer.
Tips for Combinations
- Balance Flavors: Aim for a mix of sweet and tart fruits to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Color Variety: Use fruits of different colors to make the Tanghulu visually appealing.
- Texture Considerations: Combine fruits with varying textures, such as crunchy and juicy, to enhance the eating experience.
Experimenting with different combinations can lead to delightful surprises, making Tanghulu a fun and customizable treat!
How can I add fun colors to my Tanghulu
To add fun colors to your Tanghulu, consider the following creative methods:
1. Use Food Coloring
- Gel Food Coloring: Add a few drops of food-safe gel coloring to your sugar syrup before dipping the fruit. Start with one or two drops, and mix until you achieve the desired color. This method allows you to customize the color of the candy coating, making it vibrant and appealing.
2. Colorful Fruit Combinations
- Mix Different Fruits: Use a variety of colorful fruits on your skewers, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and grapes. The natural colors of the fruits will create a visually striking presentation. For example, combining red strawberries, green grapes, and yellow kiwi can make for an eye-catching treat.
3. Edible Glitter or Sprinkles
- Decorative Toppings: After coating the fruit in syrup, you can roll the Tanghulu in edible glitter or colorful sprinkles. This adds not only color but also a fun texture to the candy coating.
4. Flavorful Syrups
- Infused Syrups: Enhance the syrup with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond, which can add a subtle hue along with a pleasant aroma. While this won’t drastically change the color, it can complement the overall appearance and flavor.
5. Layering Techniques
- Layered Dipping: For a multi-colored effect, dip the fruit in different colored syrups. Allow each layer to set before adding the next. This technique can create a beautiful striped or marbled effect on your Tanghulu.
By using these techniques, you can create Tanghulu that is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect treat for parties or special occasions!
Can I use natural food coloring for Tanghulu
Yes, you can use natural food coloring for Tanghulu. Many recipes suggest adding a few drops of food-safe gel coloring to the sugar syrup before dipping the fruit. This method allows you to achieve vibrant colors while keeping the ingredients natural. Just start with one or two drops and mix until you reach your desired shade, as a little goes a long way
Using natural food coloring can enhance the visual appeal of your Tanghulu, making it more fun and attractive without compromising the traditional flavors of this delicious treat.
