If you are looking for a delicious and unique treat, look no further than dragon’s beard candy! This traditional Chinese candy is made from spun sugar and can be flavored with many different ingredients.
In this blog post, we will show you how to make your own dragon’s beard candy at home. We will also share a few tips on how to flavor it correctly. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on this sweet treat today!
Table of Contents
What is Dragon’s beard candy?
Dragon’s beard candy is a traditional Chinese snack made from thin strands of maltose syrup which are twisted and shaped into small bundles that resemble the fur of a dragon.
It is made by stretching, pulling and folding the warm maltose syrup to create thousands of thin sugar threads.
The threads are then carefully folded numerous times around a filling such as crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or coconut for a unique texture and flavor.
The result is a crisp, chewy candy that melts in your mouth. Dragon’s beard candy is often served during special occasions and holidays as it is believed to bring luck and prosperity.
What does dragon’s beard candy taste like?
This traditional Chinese sweet is known for its unique and distinctive flavor. The main ingredients of the candy are sesame, sugar, coconut, and peanuts.
The texture is chewy, like cotton candy, and the taste has a hint of sweetness due to the sugar, but it also has a nutty crunchiness thanks to the added nuts.
It can also be slightly salty due to the sesame, making it a truly unique and flavorful treat. Dragon’s beard candy is a popular snack in many Asian countries, but its popularity has been growing around the world recently.
A mild sweetness combined with an interesting texture makes dragon’s beard candy a perfect snack for those looking for something different from traditional sweet treats.
Does dragon beard candy taste like cotton candy?
The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. Dragon beard candy has a texture and taste that is similar to cotton candy, but it does have some subtle differences.
The main difference is that dragon beard candy has hints of nutty, honeyed flavors, while cotton candy typically contains more of a sugary sweetness.
Additionally, dragon beard candy is made with maltose – a syrup derived from wheat, barley and other grains – while cotton candy is made with granulated sugar.
What is inside dragon’s beard candy?
Dragon’s beard candy is a type of sweet dessert made with maltose, sugar, and sesame. It has the texture of delicate spun threads and the taste of sweet toasted sesame.
The dough for dragon’s beard candy is rolled out into long strands and wrapped around layers of chopped nuts or honeyed peanuts.
This gives it a layered appearance and a unique texture. The final product is pulled and stretched into thin strands of candy that resemble the fur of a Chinese dragon, hence its name.
How do you eat dragon’s beard candy?
The secret to eating dragon’s beard candy is in the technique. Start by breaking off a small piece of the candy using your hands. Next, place the piece between your tongue and upper palate, letting it melt slowly.
As it dissolves, its flavors will come alive on your tongue and you can enjoy all the sweetness. You can also use toothpicks to break off smaller pieces of the candy and enjoy it that way.
Be sure not to bite into the candy as it could get stuck in your teeth! You can also share dragon’s beard candy with friends—its flaky, sugary texture is a popular treat among kids and adults alike.
How long does dragon’s beard candy last?
Dragon’s beard candy can last for up to several months if stored properly. The best way to store dragon’s beard candy is in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic bag, and kept away from heat and light sources.
If you plan on storing the candy for an extended period of time, it should be placed in the refrigerator. Dragon’s beard candy can also be frozen for up to six months.
When freezing dragon’s beard candy, it is important to place the candy in an airtight container before storing in the freezer.
If not stored properly, dragon’s beard candy can become stale and harden over time. To ensure that the candy stays fresh and delicious, it is important to follow the recommended storing tips.
How is dragon’s beard candy made?
Dragon’s beard candy is a light, airy candy made from spun sugar. It is created using a repetitive process of stretching and folding the molten sugar mixture until it forms delicate threads.
To make dragon’s beard candy, an expert candy technician must first measure out the exact proportions of ingredients that will give the candy its sweet flavor and sticky texture.
This includes sugar, maltose syrup, peanut oil, sesame seeds, and coarsely ground peanuts. The ingredients are then boiled in a large pot until they reach the perfect temperature and consistency.
Once cooled slightly, the candy technician begins to knead and stretch the mixture with their hands.
As it is stretched and folded repeatedly, the texture will gradually become lighter and the color will change from white to yellowish-white.
After a few minutes, the mixture will form delicate strands that resemble cotton candy or spun sugar.
Once it has reached this stage, it is carefully placed onto a plate and gently pulled into the signature long strands of dragon’s beard candy. Finally, some chopped peanuts can be sprinkled on top for a crunchy, nutty flavor. Enjoy!
Dragon’s beard candy ingredients:
- Sugar: The base of the candy is sugar, which is boiled to create a thick syrup.
- Condensed Milk: Condensed milk provides sweetness and additional syrupy consistency to the mixture.
- Peanuts or Almonds: Toasted nuts such as peanuts or almonds are also added for crunchiness and flavor.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is added to create a smoother texture and help the candy hold its shape.
- White Sesame Seeds: To give Dragon’s Beard Candy its signature look, white sesame seeds are sprinkled on top.
- Cornstarch and Flour: These ingredients are also used to thicken the syrup and help it form the long strands of candy.
How to make Dragon’s beard candy.
- Begin by heating the sugar and condensed milk over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Once the mixture begins to thicken, add in the peanuts or almonds, stir until well combined.
- Remove from heat and slowly drizzle in coconut oil while vigorously mixing with a wooden spoon to form a sticky paste.
- Dust a work surface with cornstarch and place the mixture on top, kneading it until it’s smooth and pliable.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts, roll each out to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over one half of the dough and carefully fold the other half over.
- Cut the dough into 1/2 inch strips, then roll each strip out again to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
- Repeat the folding and cutting process until you have about 50 candy strands.
- Carefully move each strand onto a sheet of wax paper and allow it to cool.
- Once cool, the Dragon’s Beard Candy is ready to eat! Enjoy!
Dragon's beard candy recipe
Dragon's beard candy is a traditional Chinese sweet treat, made with sugar, condensed milk, peanuts or almonds, coconut oil, white sesame seeds and cornstarch. It has a crunchy texture and a delicate sweetness that makes it an irresistible snack. Follow this recipe to make your own Dragon's Beard Candy at home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup condensed milk
- ¼ cup toasted peanuts or almonds
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, plus extra for dusting surface
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar and condensed milk over medium heat until it begins to boil.
Stir constantly for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
Add in the peanuts or almonds and stir until well combined.
Remove from heat and slowly drizzle in coconut oil while vigorously mixing with a wooden spoon to form a sticky paste.
Dust a work surface with cornstarch and place the mixture on top, kneading it until it's smooth and pliable.
Divide the dough into two equal parts, roll each out to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over one half of the dough and carefully fold the other half over.
Cut the dough into 1/2 inch strips, then roll each strip out again to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
Repeat the folding and cutting process until you have about 50 candy strands.
Carefully move each strand onto a sheet of wax paper and allow it to cool.
Once cool, the Dragon's Beard Candy is ready to eat! Enjoy!
Notes
Serve Dragon’s Beard candy as a snack or dessert at parties or gatherings. You can also wrap individual pieces in decorative wrappers for gifting during special occasions. For a more decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the candy strands. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Variation: To switch up the flavor of your Dragon’s Beard Candy, try adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture. You can also use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or cashews in place of peanuts or almonds.
Conclusion
Dragon’s beard candy is a unique, fascinating type of Chinese candy that requires patience and skill to craft. Making dragon’s beard candy takes the right ingredients, techniques, and equipment.
It involves stretching thin strands of dough repeatedly until it forms a soft and sweet mass of tiny white threads. The finished product has an interesting texture and flavor, making it a beloved Chinese delicacy.
Whether you’re looking to make this delicious treat as a hobby or learning how to craft dragon’s beard candy professionally, there are resources available to help you get started. With the right ingredients and tools, you can create your own version of this delicious traditional Chinese candy!
