Chinese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, intricate preparation techniques, and diverse ingredients. While many are familiar with the savory dishes that form the backbone of Chinese cooking, the world of Chinese desserts is just as fascinating and complex. Among the myriad of sweets enjoyed across China, two key ingredients stand out: honey and tea. These ingredients have been integral to Chinese culture for centuries, with many traditional desserts relying on them to create delicious and health-promoting treats.

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of honey and tea in Chinese desserts, highlighting traditional dishes and desserts that have been enjoyed for generations.

The Role of Honey in Chinese Desserts

Honey has been used in Chinese medicine and cooking for thousands of years. In ancient China, it was considered a “cooling” food, used to balance the body’s internal heat. Honey was not only appreciated for its sweet taste but also for its medicinal properties. It was believed to soothe sore throats, aid digestion, and improve skin health. Honey was often used in combination with other herbs and medicinal ingredients in traditional Chinese desserts.

In Chinese desserts, honey is used to add natural sweetness to dishes and to bring out the unique flavors of other ingredients. It is also frequently combined with fruits, nuts, and spices, creating layered and balanced treats.

Popular Honey-Based Chinese Desserts

1. Honey Lotus Root (蜜莲藕)

One of the most beloved honey-based desserts in Chinese cuisine is Honey Lotus Root. This dish involves cooking lotus roots in a sweet syrup made from honey, sugar, and sometimes rock candy, resulting in a tender yet crisp dessert with a delicate sweetness. The lotus root itself is symbolic in Chinese culture, representing purity and spirituality, and is commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium lotus roots (peeled and sliced)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons rock sugar
• 1-2 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 slices of ginger

Method:

1. Prepare the lotus roots: Slice the lotus roots into thin rounds and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Make the syrup: In a pot, combine water, honey, rock sugar, cinnamon stick, and ginger. Bring to a simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is fragrant.
3. Cook the lotus root: Add the lotus root slices into the syrup and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lotus root is tender and infused with the sweet syrup.
4. Serve: Let the lotus root cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or chilled, depending on personal preference.

Honey Lotus Root is a comforting dessert that balances the crispness of lotus root with the smooth sweetness of honey. It’s perfect for a light, refreshing end to a meal.

2. Honey and Sesame Balls (蜜糖芝麻球)

Sesame balls, or Jian Dui (煎堆), are a popular dessert served in Chinese restaurants, particularly during Chinese New Year. These chewy, golden-brown balls are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste, and are often coated with sesame seeds before being fried. To enhance the sweetness, many variations of this dessert are drizzled with honey, creating a deliciously sweet and slightly sticky treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup red bean paste (optional)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Method:

1. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, honey, and water. Stir until it forms a smooth dough.
2. Shape the sesame balls: Take a small amount of dough and flatten it out into a small disc. If desired, place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center and fold the edges over to seal it. Roll it into a ball.
3. Coat with sesame seeds: Roll the dough balls in sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Fry: Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer. Fry the sesame balls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve: Drizzle warm honey over the sesame balls just before serving. The honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and stickiness to the chewy exterior.

The combination of honey and sesame seeds makes this dessert extra special, and it’s enjoyed by people of all ages.

3. Honey Walnut Shrimp (蜜汁合桃虾)

While typically considered a savory dish, Honey Walnut Shrimp is also a sweet treat in Chinese cuisine. This dish combines crispy shrimp, walnuts, and a honey-based glaze, creating a balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. It’s often served as a special dish at banquets or celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 12-15 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/4 cup walnuts (toasted)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon condensed milk
• Cornstarch (for coating)

Method:

1. Prepare the shrimp: Coat the shrimp lightly with cornstarch and fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy. Set aside.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and condensed milk. Stir until smooth.
3. Toss the shrimp: Toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce until evenly coated.
4. Serve: Plate the shrimp and top with toasted walnuts. Serve immediately.

The crispy shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and sweet honey sauce make for an indulgent treat that is perfect for special occasions.

The Importance of Tea in Chinese Desserts

Tea plays a similarly important role in Chinese culture, not just as a beverage but also as an integral part of Chinese dessert traditions. Tea has been used in Chinese cooking for centuries, and its aromatic flavors complement the sweetness of many traditional desserts. It is believed that tea has cooling properties and is therapeutic, aiding digestion and detoxification. As such, many Chinese desserts incorporate tea leaves, tea infusions, and tea powders to enhance flavor and impart health benefits.

Popular Tea-Based Chinese Desserts

4. Matcha Cake (抹茶蛋糕)

Matcha, powdered green tea, has gained significant popularity worldwide, but it has a long history in Chinese culinary traditions. While the Japanese are most famous for their matcha use, matcha cake is also a popular dessert in China, especially in modern cafes. The subtle, earthy bitterness of matcha complements the sweetness of the cake batter, resulting in a balanced and refined dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons matcha powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix the flour, matcha powder, and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract, and then gradually fold in the dry ingredients.
2. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.

Matcha cake offers a refined taste and can be paired with other Chinese desserts or enjoyed alone with a cup of tea.

5. Osmanthus Tea Jelly (桂花茶冻)

Osmanthus tea jelly is a delicate, aromatic dessert made from osmanthus flowers, which are prized for their sweet, floral fragrance. This dessert is typically served chilled and offers a refreshing treat with its smooth, gelatinous texture and light floral taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons osmanthus flowers (dried)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• 1/2 cup water

Method:

1. Prepare the tea: Steep the osmanthus flowers in hot water for 10 minutes, then strain the liquid.
2. Make the jelly: In a pot, combine the osmanthus tea with honey and agar-agar powder. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Set the jelly: Pour the liquid into a mold and let it set in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until firm.
4. Serve: Once set, cut the jelly into cubes and serve as a refreshing dessert.

This floral and fragrant dessert is perfect for warm weather and provides a light, refreshing finish to a meal.

6. Teapot Cookies (茶壶饼干)

Teapot cookies, or Cha Hu Bing Gan, are a playful and creative Chinese dessert that incorporates tea into the dough. The cookies are often shaped like teapots or tea cups and are flavored with green tea or oolong tea, adding a unique twist to traditional butter cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon green tea powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (soft

ened)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg

Method:

1. Make the dough: Cream the butter and powdered sugar together, then add the egg and green tea powder. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
2. Shape the cookies: Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to shape them into teapots or other tea-related shapes.
3. Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Serve: Once cooled, serve these whimsical tea-flavored treats alongside a cup of tea.

These tea-infused cookies are perfect for a light snack or as part of a Chinese tea ceremony.

Conclusion

Chinese desserts showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage, and honey and tea are two essential ingredients that contribute to their unique flavors. Whether it’s the comforting sweetness of Honey Lotus Root or the fragrant floral notes of Osmanthus Tea Jelly, these desserts offer a delightful taste of China’s sweet tradition. For those looking to explore the world of Chinese desserts, these dishes provide a perfect starting point for discovering the many layers of flavor and the cultural significance behind each treat.

By incorporating natural ingredients such as honey and tea, Chinese desserts not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also provide a taste of ancient wisdom, where food is often viewed as a form of medicine for the body and soul. These desserts will transport you to the heart of Chinese culinary culture, where tradition, flavor, and health are harmoniously balanced in every bite.