Ingredient Name:  Candied winter melon, sugared winter melon, or candied gourd

Traditional Chinese Name: 糖冬瓜 (táng dōng guā)

What is this?

  • Cooked and sugar coated winter melon
  • The sugar is usually a glucose type substance that the melon is dipped in and allowed to dry
  • A very common Asian snack
  • Easily made at home

How do I prepare it?

  • If you’re purchasing it premade, no preparation needed

Where can I buy this?

  • This is available in most Asian supermarkets
  • It is also commonly sold in Asian “snack” stores that carry a variety of traditional Chinese snacks
  • If you can’t find premade sugared winter melon, you can also consider making it

What is the cost?

  • Extremely affordable
  • A few pieces cost $2-3 HKD (as pictured above)

Any benefits?

  • Winter melons are known to remove heatiness and helps detoxify the body
  • There are a variety of uses for candied winter melon (soups, stews, desserts or eaten as is)

Any precautions?

  • The sugar : melon ratio is quite high, meaning it’s high in sugars
  • Consume in moderation

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