Chinese plum candy

Types of Chinese Plum Candy

Chinese plum candy refers to a variety of candies made with plums and other flavor ingredients. The following are some popular Chinese plum candy types:

• Dried Plum Candy

  This candy is made of dried plums, often known as prunes, which are sweetened and sometimes coated with sugar or a sour powder. The dried plum is chewy and has a very sweet and tangy flavor, making it a popular snack for both kids and adults. This candy is not only delicious but also helps with digestion due to its high fiber and sorbitol content.

• Mei Chang (Plum Cake)

  Mei chang is a traditional Chinese candy made from dried plums known as li hing. The plums are often cooked down into a thick paste or puree, then dried and shaped into cakes or bars. Mei chang has an intensely sweet and tart flavor, is very chewy, and is commonly sold in Chinese markets and snack shops. It is very concentrated in flavor compared to other plum candies because it uses the plum flesh almost entirely.

• Plum Hard Candies

  These candies are made by mixing plum juice or puree with sugar and corn syrup, then boiling the mixture until it reaches the hard candy stage. The mixture is cooled and molded into small hard candy shapes like discs or drops. These candies have a curved and enjoyable sweet-tart plum flavor that is refreshing and perfect for soothing the throat.

• Salty Plum Candies

  Salty Chinese plum candies are typically coated in a mixture of salt and spices and are often designed for medicinal or health-related purposes. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and sometimes spicy flavors creates a very unique taste that helps counteract the sweetness. The salty plum candies are usually eaten to help relieve coughs and dry throats, freshen breath, or provide a boost of vitamins.

• Sour Plum Powder Candy

  This candy is made from dried and powdered Chinese sour plums, also called prune plums, sometimes known as amla candy. The powdered plums are mixed with sugar, lime, and chili powder and then coated on dried fruits and nuts. The powder can also be eaten alone as a tangy and refreshing candy. Sour plum powder candy is often served in small packets as portable snacks or condiments to sprinkle on other snacks for extra flavor.

Ingredients Used to Make Chinese Plum Candy

• Chinese Plums (Li Hing)

  Chinese plum candies are primarily made from Chinese plums, called li hing or mei hui. Depending on the candy type, fresh, dried, or preserved Chinese plums may get used. Chinese plum is a small fruit with a tart flavor that produces sweet and sour candy. Chinese plums also contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber, and are very nutritious.

• Sugar

  Sugar is a key ingredient in Chinese plum candy, especially hard candy and sour plum powder candy. Sugar balances the tartness of the plums, making them taste sweeter and more like candy. Cane sugar or granulated sugar is usually added to give the candy a sweet and appealing taste. Sugar acts as an energy source for the body during candy consumption and improves the candy's shelf life by preventing microbial growth.

• Sour Powder or Citric Acid

  To increase the tangy flavor of Chinese plum candies, sour powders such as citric acid and tartaric acid are often included. Citric acid has no side effects because it is an organic acid present in various fruits and is generally used to give candies a sour taste. It is often added to sour plum powder candy and hard candies to enhance the tart flavor. Tartaric acid is also from natural sources like grapes and tamarinds and balances sweetness while adding a sour taste to Chinese plum candies.

• Salts and Seasonings

  Salt is often added to Chinese plum candies, giving them a savory and unique taste. Salted plum candies usually have a mix of salt and plum, which intenses the flavor and balances the sweetness. Other spices, like chili powder or ginger powder, may be added to certain plum candies to provide additional flavor and a slight kick.

• Binders and Stabilizers

  Corn syrup and gelatin are often added to the candies to give Chinese candy testers a chewy and soft texture, preventing them from hardening completely. Gelatin is added to some plum candies to give them a chewy, rubbery consistency. Pectin is often used in plum jams and jellies to provide structure and stability to the candy. Gum Arabic coats the candy to prevent graining by stabilizing the sugar mixture and preventing crystallization.

What to Consider When Buying Chinese Plum Candy

• Texture Preference

  Chinese plum candy is hard, chewy, or soft, depending on the type buyer settles for. Hard candies have a long shelf life and a strong flavor, suitable for a sweet and sour candy that freshens the breath. Chewy candies like mei chang and dried plum candies have a softer texture, making them more pleasant to eat as a snack. Consider what texture will be more appropriate for the target market when choosing the candy.

• Flavors

  There are various Chinese plum candy flavors, from the classic sweet-tart taste of Chinese plums to other fruity combinations like citrus or mango. Some candies also contain additional spices or seasonings, such as chili or ginger, to enhance the flavor. Buyers should decide on the flavor profile that fits their needs, taking into account their customers' preferences and any potential allergies.

• Packaging

  The presentation and packaging of Chinese plum candies are important as buyers consider them. Hard candies are typically sold in jars, bags, or bulk containers, while chewier candies often come in individually wrapped pieces or resealable pouches. Plum powder candy often comes in small, portable packets. The seller's brand and the overall design of the package can significantly impact consumer appeal.

• Quality Ingredients

  The taste, texture, and nutritional value of Chinese plum candies are highly influenced by the ingredients used to make them. Buyers should look for sellers who use natural ingredients, especially when making plum powder candy, avoid artificial colors and flavors, and use high-quality Chinese plums. Candies made with real fruit and no preservatives are healthier and more appealing to a market that often looks for natural products.

• Market Trends

  Buyers should follow the latest trends in confectionery and snack foods to ensure the Chinese plum candy they consider purchasing meets current demands. There has been a rise in the demand for candies free from allergens, vegan-friendly, or gluten-free, especially in the health-conscious consumer market. Candy made with functional ingredients like vitamin C or fiber to support health is also trending.

What to Consider When Selling Chinese Plum Candy

• Quality Control

  To ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty, it is important to ensure that the product is consistently of high quality. This requires sourcing high-quality fresh Chinese plums and preserving them naturally instead of using artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives. Ensuring that the candy has good flavor, texture, and appearance will greatly help to sell it effectively.

• Target Audience

  Selling Chinese plum candy begins by identifying the target market and consumers. It is fairly popular among niche markets that appreciate Asian snacks in Asian communities and those looking for unique and natural candy flavors. However, Chinese plum candy can also attract a larger audience by promoting its sour and slightly salty taste as a refreshing alternative to traditional candies. Selling efforts will focus on appealing to potential customers' preferences.

• Branding and Packaging

  Creating appealing and effective branding and packaging for Chinese plum candy is important to its success as a product. The packaging should be eye-catching, practical, and informative about the product inside, stating the benefits of Chinese plum candy, such as being a natural, low-fat snack high in vitamins and minerals. The product's traditional roots and unique flavor can be enhanced and highlighted by a good brand story.

• Distribution Channels

  Buyers can sell Chinese plum candy through various distribution channels, including online platforms, specialty stores, and bulk sales to retailers. Setting an online presence for direct sales and reaching wider audiences is possible with a user-friendly website or via social media. Another good place to sell candy is at Asian markets and food stalls, where demand is naturally higher. Consideration of the distribution channels will be based on the target market and business model.

• Marketing Strategies

  Effective marketing strategies will be developed to promote Chinese plum candy and educate potential customers about its unique flavor, history, and benefits. Content marketing, social media advertising, and influencer partnerships will make people aware of the product and drive sales. Customers' testimonials and reviews can also be leveraged to highlight the deliciousness and quality of the candy.

Q & A

Q1: Is Chinese plum candy good for health?

A1: It depends on the type of Chinese plum candy available and the ingredients used to make the candy. Dried plum candies, for example, are often quite healthy and promote digestion because of the added nutrients and minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibers in plums. Candies containing a high level of added sugar, artificial ingredients, or unhealthy additives are not that healthy.

Q2: Is Chinese plum candy vegan?

A2: Most types of Chinese plum candy are naturally vegan since Chinese plums, sugar, salt, sour powder, and spices are plant-based ingredients. It is still better to check the ingredients list of a specific Chinese plum candy to be sure there are no animal-derived ingredients like gelatin or milk powder.

Q3: How spicy is Chinese plum candy?

A3: Most Chinese plum candies have a mild spiciness level comparable to that of some fruit candies like mango or fruit chews. Some Chinese plum candies contain spiced plum powder, like chili powder or ginger, giving them a little spiciness and heat. The other varieties of Chinese plum candy have a very mild spice level and more of a sweet-tart or sour flavor.

Q4: Does Chinese plum candy expire?

A4: All candies have a certain shelf life, and so do Chinese plum candies, depending on how the plums were preserved and the ingredients used. Chinese plum candy continues to maintain its best quality until the 'best by' or 'use by' date, which is usually printed on the package by the manufacturer. If Chinese plum candy doesn't contain any preservatives or has a lot of added sugar, it can last even longer. Factors such as exposure to moisture, light, and air and incorrect storage shorten the plum candy's shelf life and make it unfit for consumption.