How can I Make a Tanghulu at Home

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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

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!

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.