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What is Dragon's Beard Candy?
Dragon's Beard Candy is a popular traditional Chinese dessert with a long history. It is said to have a history of more than two thousand years, initially being a royal pastry that later spread to the public. This delicacy brings surprises in both texture and taste, with main ingredients including maltose and starch. The production process involves continuous kneading and pulling until it forms a stringy shape, showing its unique delicate and sweet taste. The Dragon's Beard Candy has a clean, soft white appearance, and its silky texture, similar to a cloud cake, provides a new delicious experience. This traditional pastry is widely spread throughout China and is a food that leaves a lasting impression.
The history of Dragon's Beard Candy
Dragon Beard Candy, a traditional Chinese dessert, is steeped in poetic charm and historical significance. Legend has it that this delicacy has been passed down for over two thousand years, originally known as "Silver Silk Candy." Its origins can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty, under the reign of Emperor Zhengde. The emperor, during his travels among the common folk, stumbled upon this exquisite treat. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, delicate flavor, it quickly found favor and was brought back to the palace. It was then christened "Dragon Beard Candy" or "Dragon Beard Rolls," becoming a revered delicacy within the imperial court. Over time, it ventured back into the public domain, where it was embraced and cherished by many.
The art of making Dragon Beard Candy is a meticulous process, primarily using wheat flour and maltose. The creation involves cooking maltose to a sticky consistency, then cooling it on a high-temperature surface. Through repeated stretching, it is transformed into fine, hair-like strands. This not only tests the maker's skill but also showcases the exquisite and delicate craftsmanship of traditional Chinese handiwork. The finished product, with its white, fluffy appearance and thousands of fine strands, offers a clear, layered texture that dissolves instantly in the mouth, delivering a sweet and crispy taste. This traditional snack, with its milky color and soft, sweet flavor, has long been a favorite.
The reputation of Dragon Beard Candy reached its zenith during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng. It is said that at a grand Manchu-Han banquet, the emperor was so impressed by the chefs' skilled preparation of the candy, with its snow-white, delicate strands resembling the auspicious dragon's beard, that he joyously bestowed rewards upon his consorts and officials, officially naming the treat "Dragon Beard Candy." From then on, its fame spread far and wide.
More than just a delicacy, Dragon Beard Candy is an integral part of traditional Chinese culture. Its preparation and enjoyment go beyond mere taste, embodying the legacy of Chinese craftsmanship and historical reverence. In modern times, although the production process has been simplified thanks to technological advancements, its unique cultural significance and historical value continue to be treasured.
It's also worth noting that Dragon Beard Candy holds a special place in Korean culture, where it is revered as a traditional delicacy with a rich history and cultural depth. Commonly served during important events and festivals, it reflects the Korean people's love and appreciation for food. Korean Dragon Beard Candy differs slightly in preparation from its Chinese counterpart but involves similar steps, using ingredients like flour, white sugar, salt, and butter, resulting in a crispy exterior with a soft, sweet, and nutritious interior.
With its profound historical and cultural background, Dragon Beard Candy is more than a mere dish; it is a microcosm of Chinese culture. Both in China and Korea, it represents a respect for tradition and a love for culinary delights. As time progresses, while the techniques and flavors of Dragon Beard Candy may evolve, its value as a cultural heritage and its significance will endure forever.
Well-known dragon's beard candy brand
Daoxiangcun(Suzhou)(苏州稻香村)
Established in 1773, it is a well-established company in the domestic pastry industry. As a representative enterprise of Suzhou-style mooncakes, it insists on traditional hand-made techniques in product production. It mainly deals with mooncakes, bread and pastries, traditional pastries, nuts, quick-frozen foods and other series.
The predecessor of Daoxiangcun Group was Suzhou Daoxiangcun, which was founded in Suzhou in 1773 (the 38th year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty). It is one of the long-standing companies in the domestic pastry industry. As the founder of the "Daoxiangcun" brand, after two centuries (247 years) of development, the inheritance and innovation of generations of Daoxiangcun people have become a large-scale modern food enterprise group known at home and abroad.
It is worth noting that there are two Daoxiangcun brands in China, the other is Daoxiangcun (Beijing), and the two are not the same company.
Yushiyuan(御食园)
Yushiyuan was established in 2001, mainly focusing on traditional Beijing-style specialty foods and casual snacks. It is a company that concentrates on the primary and deep processing of agricultural and sideline products. The main products include candied hawthorn, Beijing preserved fruit, Poria cocos sandwiched cookies, Huairou sweet chestnuts, and donkey rolling pastries. The company has pioneered an integrated business model of "Company + Base + Farmers + Market" for the processing of fresh and dried fruits. The sales network radiates across the country with Beijing as the center.
In just a few years, Yushiyuan has developed into a pioneering company of Beijing specialty foods. It successfully listed on the New Third Board in 2014. The company's registered capital is 83.4817 million yuan, with more than 800 existing employees. The new factory at the headquarters in Huairou Science City has an investment of nearly 200 million yuan, a building area of nearly 40,000 square meters, and an annual total output of more than 11,000 tons of various products.
Their goal is to inherit and promote the court food in Chinese history.
Hongluo Foodstuff(红螺食品)
Established in 1909, Hongluo mainly produces preserved fruit, yokan, fu ling sandwich cookies, and various other leisure foods and traditional Beijing snacks. It is a company that combines research, production, sales, and service.
Hongluo Foodstuff primarily produces preserved fruit, yokan, fu ling sandwich cookies, chestnuts, roast duck, and other special leisure foods including traditional Beijing snacks. It has several sales counters in major malls and supermarkets nationwide, and has established numerous retail and wholesale outlets. In the Beijing area, there are several Hongluo specialty stores, and it has established an independent online mall and e-commerce sales platform. The products are marketed in multiple provinces, cities, and autonomous regions across the country, occupying a large market share in the same industry, and it has a good reputation and reputation.
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