It's complicated.....Date & Nut Candy 棗泥糕

During Lunar New Year, Taiwan is abound with traditional snacks from its various counties, each with its own tradition, culture and history. The Date & Walnut, Date & Almond candies is one such popular traditional snack which often appears on Japanese and Hong Kong travellers’ must-buy list.

Making this humble looking snack is an international enterprise on its own that require more than a few months of planning! Because Taiwan doesn’t grow nuts, the Almonds, Walnuts have to be imported from the USA or Australia. The kumquats that go into the Date & Almond candy comprise two kinds - the tart tropical kumquat (金桔)that is available around summer months, and the more fragrant, sweetish oval kumquat (金棗) that is only available around November. All of the ingredients are routinely tested for chemicals and residues before they are used.

Founder of 樸實工作室 ( Pure and Simple Studio) , Mr Sun, believes that everyone can help tradition and culture stay alive through making food choices. The maltose, which is used as a sugar replacement in the snack is made by one of the last remaining traditional maltose maker from Xinzhuang (新莊). Instead of using flour ( required to give the snack a structure), Mr Sun uses arrowroot powder which is considered a health supplement by the local aboriginal tribes. Through selling these delicious snacks, Mr Sun hopes to also increase awareness of these traditional crafts.

This year's new snack is recommended too! Totally tropical with Taiwan's famed Golden Diamond Pineapple (金鑽鳳梨） and coconut as the base and nutty macadamia. I call this a nutty pineapple tart! 

So why do I like their snacks so much? It’s delicious for sure, and i think preserving traditions is a worthy pursuit!

Watch how the snack is made!