Mooncakes: A Traveler's Guide to China's Mid-Autumn Treat

Food Description

Introduction to Mooncakes

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions and moon gazing, is inextricably linked with the tradition of eating mooncakes. These round pastries, rich in symbolism and flavor, are a quintessential part of the celebration. Understanding mooncakes means understanding a significant piece of Chinese culture.

What are mooncakes?

Mooncakes are traditional Chinese baked goods, typically round in shape, which symbolize completeness and unity. They are usually filled with sweet or savory pastes and often contain salted duck egg yolks in the center, representing the full moon. The intricate designs stamped on their surface often depict Chinese legends or auspicious symbols. They are enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival.

Why are they eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The act of sharing and eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes family reunion and togetherness. The round shape of the mooncake represents the full moon, a symbol of completeness and harmony. Sharing mooncakes with family and friends is a way of expressing love and good wishes. For a complete overview of the Mid-Autumn Festival, see our main guide to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Types of Mooncakes

The world of mooncakes is diverse, with variations in crust, filling, and regional styles. Understanding these differences can enhance your mooncake experience.

Traditional Mooncakes

Traditional mooncakes typically feature a thick, slightly chewy crust and fillings such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or jujube paste. Salted duck egg yolks are a common ingredient, adding a savory counterpoint to the sweetness. These mooncakes are often baked and have a rich, golden-brown color.

Modern Mooncakes

Modern mooncakes have embraced innovation, with new crusts, fillings, and flavors. Snow skin mooncakes, for example, have a non-baked, glutinous rice crust that gives them a soft, chewy texture. Ice cream mooncakes are another popular modern variation, offering a cool and refreshing treat.

Regional Varieties

China’s diverse regions boast unique mooncake styles, each reflecting local culinary traditions and ingredients.

• Cantonese-style mooncakes: Known for their rich, glossy crust and fillings like lotus seed paste and multiple egg yolks.
• Suzhou-style mooncakes: Feature a flaky, layered crust and savory fillings such as minced pork.
• Beijing-style mooncakes: Have a lighter, more delicate crust and fillings like hawthorn and wisteria.
• Chaoshan-style mooncakes: Known for their flaky crust and fillings made with mashed sweet potatoes or taro.

Mooncake Flavors

From classic sweet fillings to more adventurous savory combinations, mooncake flavors cater to a wide range of palates.

Sweet Mooncakes

Sweet mooncakes are the most common type, featuring fillings like lotus seed paste (莲蓉), red bean paste (豆沙), jujube paste (枣泥), and sweet osmanthus (桂花). These fillings are often combined with salted duck egg yolks for a balance of sweet and savory.

Savory Mooncakes

Savory mooncakes offer a delightful contrast to their sweet counterparts. Common savory fillings include minced pork (鲜肉), ham (火腿), and five-kernel (五仁) mixtures of nuts and seeds. These mooncakes are particularly popular in regions like Suzhou.

Where to Buy Mooncakes in China

Mooncakes are widely available throughout China during the Mid-Autumn Festival season. You can find them in:

• Supermarkets: Major supermarket chains like Walmart, Carrefour, and local Chinese supermarkets offer a wide selection of mooncakes at various price points.
• Bakeries: Traditional bakeries and pastry shops often sell freshly made mooncakes with unique regional flavors.
• Hotels: Many luxury hotels offer their own branded mooncakes, often packaged in elaborate gift boxes.
• Online Retailers: E-commerce platforms like Taobao and JD.com provide a convenient way to purchase mooncakes from various brands and vendors.

How to Make Mooncakes (Brief Overview)

Making mooncakes at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. The process typically involves:

1. Making the dough: Combining flour, oil, and syrup to create a smooth dough.
2. Preparing the filling: Making or buying your desired filling, such as lotus seed paste or red bean paste.
3. Assembling the mooncakes: Wrapping the filling in the dough and pressing it into a mooncake mold.
4. Baking the mooncakes: Baking the mooncakes until golden brown.

While making mooncakes from scratch can be time-consuming, it allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking. There are many recipes and tutorials available online to guide you through the process.