In traditional Chinese culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a very important festival. On this day, people gather together to admire the moon and taste moon cakes. Among all Mid-Autumn Festival delicacies, mooncakes are the most representative. Old mooncakes refer to traditional mooncakes. Its taste and production technology are relatively traditional, and because of its long history, it is also called old mooncakes. Today, let’s learn about the making methods and historical origins of old mooncakes.
1. The historical origin of old mooncakes
The history of old mooncakes can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. At that time, mooncakes had not yet become the representative delicacy of the Mid-Autumn Festival, but a kind of Sacrificial food. By the Song Dynasty, the craftsmanship of making mooncakes gradually matured and began to spread among the people. At that time, mooncakes had a relatively simple taste and were mainly made with bean paste, lotus paste and other fillings. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the craftsmanship of mooncakes became more sophisticated and the fillings became richer. Today's old mooncakes were formed during this period.
2. The making method of old mooncakes
The making method of old mooncakes needs to be divided into two parts, one is to make the skin, and the other is to make the fillings.
1. Make the skin
Materials: flour, sugar, oil, alkaline water
Steps:
1. Mix flour, sugar , oil, and alkaline water are mixed together and kneaded into dough.
2. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll into thin crust.
3. Wrap the filling into a thin crust and shape it into a mooncake shape.
4. Bake in the oven until the surface turns golden brown.
2. Make fillings
Materials: bean paste, lotus paste, walnuts, jujube paste, etc.
Steps:
1. Mix bean paste , lotus paste and other fillings are put into the pot, add appropriate amount of sugar and oil, and cook.
2. Chop the fillings such as walnuts and date paste with a knife, add appropriate amount of sugar and oil, and mix well.
3. The taste of old mooncakes
The flavors of old mooncakes are very rich, mainly including bean paste, lotus paste, walnuts, date paste, etc. Among them, bean paste and lotus paste are the most common flavors. Their preparation methods are relatively simple and their taste is better. Walnut and jujube paste have a special taste. Their production methods are relatively complicated, but they taste very good, so they are also loved by many people.
4. Preservation method of old mooncakes
The preservation method of old mooncakes is very important. If not stored properly, the mooncakes will deteriorate and affect the taste. Generally speaking, old mooncakes can be stored in a cool, dry place, and it is best not to be placed in direct sunlight. If you want to store the mooncakes for a long time, you can put the mooncakes in the refrigerator, but be careful to prevent moisture.