“Mứt Tết” refers to fruits or vegetables that have been prepared and canned for long term storage. The preparation of preserved fruit traditionally
involves the use of pectin as a gelling agent, although sugar or honey
may be used as well. There are various types of fruit preserves made in Vietnam, and they can be made from sweet or savory ingredients.
“Mứt”
is made from all sorts of fruit, including mandarin oranges, apples,
banana, coconuts, persimmons and breadfruit. Vegetables like patatoes,
carrots and squash are also turned into “Mứt”, as certain types of
blossoms.
The
most famous variety of “Mứt” is made from rose petals or peach
blossoms. The raw materials are cleaned and peeled, then soaked in sugar
and cooked until dry. Other types of “Mứt” have the sticky consistency
of jam. Some varieties, like “cu lac” (peanut jam) are covered with a
thick layer of sugar, but most have thin layer of sugar.
The colors are often quite intense and people serve different types of “Mứt” together, arranged in a colorful display.
In Hanoi, Hang Dieu or Hang Duong Streets in Old Quarter are famous for shops that sell “Mứt”. Preserved
fruits are masterpieces in these shops. They make all kinds of
preserved fruit such as ginger, waxy pumpkin, apple, orange, lemon and
carrot in various shapes and colours.
To
welcome Tet is to welcome the spring. However, in January, which is
spring time, the weather in Vietnam is still cold. It is a good idea to
warm up with a cup of hot tea and a slice of preserved ginger with
golden yellow colour and a special flavour...
Vietnam Beauty!
