The mooncakes will be very flaky and crumbly right after baking. They turn very hard as they cool down, and their texture will become soft and moist again after two to three days as the oil seeps out from the filling (this process is known as hui you – 回油)..
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Why is mooncake called mooncake?
In ancient times, mooncakes were a kind of offering to the moon. Over the centuries, these special cakes have become the most popular food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are named after the moon goddess (Chang’e), who is said to make this kind of cake.
How long do homemade mooncakes last?
Handmade mooncakes can only be stored for 7 to 10 days at a temperature of less than 25℃ (77℉). If the temperature goes up to 30℃ (86℉), the days should be shortened to 7 days. Snow skin mooncakes must be placed in the refrigerator below 2-5℃ (35.6-41℉) and they can be stored for up to a few weeks.
Why are moon cakes so expensive?
Demand for Mooncakes is Price Inelastic
Unlike other foodstuffs like dumplings, mooncakes are not readily available all year round. They are only available in this season, and the demand for mooncakes naturally spike when the mid-Autumn festival draws near.
Does mooncake expire?
How long can mooncakes last in the fridge? Traditional white lotus skin mooncakes with an anti-moisture sachet can last up to 30 days, if well-kept in an airtight container. Other mooncakes, such as the Teochew Yam Mooncake, should best not be stored for more than 7 days after purchasing.
Should I refrigerate mooncakes?
Traditional mooncakes that are not in sealed packaging should be stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool and dry place. Snowskin mooncakes should be stored in refrigerated conditions as soon as possible after purchase.
Do Japanese eat mooncake?
The holiday dates back more than 3,000 years to the Northern Song Dynasty in China, but it’s also widely celebrated throughout Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Why do Chinese eat mooncakes?
They began the tradition out of thanks and celebration of the harvest. The roundness of mooncakes symbolizes the reunion of families as well as the full moon. Presenting mooncakes to friends and family demonstrates wishing their cherished ones a long and happy life.
How much mooncake should you eat? Mooncakes contain high level of sugar and oil, and each 100 gram can offer 20 percent of the daily energy supply for an adult. Therefore, it is better not to take more than 100 gram of mooncakes per day.
What does lye water do to mooncake?
Cantonese Style Mooncakes (月饼).
Lye water is used to raise the PH of the dough (neutralize the acid in the syrup). It also helps to gain an appetizing brown colour after baking and a fluffy tender texture.
Who invented mooncake?
According to historical records, in Shang and Zhou Dynasties (17th century BC – 256 BC) in China, there were Taishi cakes in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. At that time, Taishi cakes were made to commemorate Wenzhong, who invented the cake, which was thin in edge and thick in the middle.
Is lye water poisonous?
Lye water (sometimes called ‘Lime Water’) is a strong (caustic) liquid that is safe to use in very small amounts in cooking, but it can be dangerous if lye water is swallowed undiluted straight from the bottle. It can cause severe corrosive burns to the throat, oesophagus and stomach with permanent damage if swallowed.
What is the purpose of alkaline water in mooncake?
Alkaline water helps to neutralize the acidity in the golden syrup and it helps to darken the mooncake during baking too.
How do you say mooncake in Chinese?
月饼 : mooncake (esp. : yuè bǐng | Definition | Mandarin Chinese Pinyin English Dictionary | Yabla Chinese.
Are mooncakes halal? Halal Status: All mooncakes are halal-certified EXCEPT the 15 Treasures Premium Gift Set.
How many types of mooncakes are there? In China, traditional mooncakes are classified into 4 types depending on the origin, sales volume and features: Cantonese-style, Beijing-style, Suzhou-style, and Chaoshan-style.
Why must rest mooncake dough?
Mooncake work station is ready! After resting for about 30 – 45 minutes, the dough will become more elastic and less sticky. However, if your dough is still a bit too dry, add a bit more golden syrup/honey/oil and knead lightly.
Can you use baking soda instead of lye to make soap?
Why is my mooncake dough cracking?
Halfway through the baking, the mooncakes need to be taken out and cooled down first for 15minutes, before applying egg wash and return to the oven. If the mooncakes are not cooled down before apply eggwash, you will get cooked egg mixture on the mooncakes, cracks may form too.
Why do mooncakes need alkaline water?
Alkaline water helps to neutralize the acidity in the golden syrup and it helps to darken the mooncake during baking too.
Why are mooncakes expensive?
Demand for Mooncakes is Price Inelastic
Unlike other foodstuffs like dumplings, mooncakes are not readily available all year round. They are only available in this season, and the demand for mooncakes naturally spike when the mid-Autumn festival draws near.
Should I put mooncake in fridge?
Traditional mooncakes that are not in sealed packaging should be stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool and dry place. Snowskin mooncakes should be stored in refrigerated conditions as soon as possible after purchase.
Can we freeze mooncake?
It is possible to freeze mooncakes, however this does not increase it’s shelf life. Freezing a snow skin mooncake is fine as it is best served cold, however for traditional mooncakes, it is best to not freeze them and consume within the expiration date. No traditional or yam mooncakes taste nice after thawing.
How much does a moon cake cost? Expect to pay between $10 and $30 for four mooncakes in a decorative tin. Price generally increases with the quality of ingredients and the number of salted egg yolks included in each mooncake (0, 1, 2 or 3).
