 |
| Areca-nut candy |
It’s called areca-nut candy because its shape resembles the areca-nut segments split into four or six parts, as small as a knuckle. Its unique appearance attracts the attention of curious and sweet-toothed children. The inside of the candy is a light yellow color made from solidified syrup, mimicking the flesh of the areca-nut, while the outer shell is ivory-colored, made from rice flour and sugar.
How to make a unique candy similar to peanut candy floss: A mixture of rice flour and sugar (the candy shell) wrapped around a large block of solidified sugar syrup (the candy filling). Skilled “artisans” quickly cut them into pieces the size of a areca-nut, rub them with flour to keep them loose, and try to maintain a perfectly round shape.
The next interesting step is “areca-nut splitting.” When the “areca-nuts” have hardened, people use knives and mallets to cut these round pieces into evenly sized “areca-nut wedges,” creating cheerful sounds in the lively working atmosphere. This step requires skill and patience to produce beautiful and intact “areca-nut wedges” that shine golden under the sunlight.
Areca-nut candy is hard and has a light sweetness, representing the gentle flavors of old-fashioned treats. To fully appreciate its delicate taste, the candy should be allowed to melt slowly in the mouth. In the past, when life was more difficult, sweets were often made from readily available ingredients such as flour, rice flour, sugar, and fruit, … with subtle, natural colors.
Back then, areca-nut candy was wrapped in dried banana leaves or newspaper. When unwrapped, a faint and pleasant aroma would spread through the air. Children in the past cherished any snack they could get their hands on, and sometimes, just having such a treat could bring joy for the entire day.
Like other sweet treats, areca-nut candy pairs perfectly with tea. The candy is served on small, pretty plates or tiny bamboo trays, beside a steaming teapot. A sip of slightly bitter tea, balanced by the candy's sweetness, creates a delightful taste experience. Just as beer and alcohol are often enjoyed with something spicy or salty like grilled meat, seafood, or salad, tea is traditionally accompanied by something sweet, following an unwritten rule of culinary practice.
Areca-nut candy, like other traditional sweets from the ancient capital, is no longer as widely popular as it used to be. Imported candies with sparkling colors and sweet flavors have captured the hearts of the younger generation. These old treats have gradually become a cultural treasure, cherished memories for the people of Hue, and intriguing experiences for visitors to explore. Areca-nut candy travels on flights and trains across the country, carrying with it the spirit of the region.