This special food eaten during the Lantern Festival is called Yuanxiao in the north and Tangyuan in the south. Whether it is Yuanxiao or Tangyuan, these names are close to "reunion", which means reunion and beauty. 1 1 The night of the full moon symbolizes the reunion, harmony and happiness of the whole family. People also miss their departed relatives and place their best wishes on their future life.

Most areas in the north are called Yuanxiao, and most areas in the south are called Tangyuan. In addition to the different names, there are some differences between glutinous rice balls and Yuanxiao in making methods, stuffing selection, cooking habits and even storage methods.

The difference between Yuanxiao and Tangyuan

1, different practices

Jiaozi in the south is wrapped, so the skin of jiaozi is smooth, while Yuanxiao in the north is curly, so the skin of Yuanxiao is dry. Tangyuan is to make glutinous rice flour into dough first, and then wrap the stuffing in it, while Yuanxiao is to make the stuffing first and then roll it out on glutinous rice flour.

2. Different fillers

The stuffing of glutinous rice balls is soft, and now there are many flavors, including salty and sweet, such as sweet bean paste and salty now, such as roasted plum, while the stuffing of Yuanxiao is generally hard, mainly sweet, and the most common Yuanxiao is filled with black sesame seeds.

3. Different diets

Tangyuan is usually cooked, but now there are innovative fried ones, while Yuanxiao is usually fried, but it can also be cooked. Actually, it takes a short time to cook jiaozi, about three minutes. When jiaozi floats, it means you can eat. In contrast, it takes a long time to cook Yuanxiao, usually at least ten minutes, and the soup after cooking Yuanxiao will become very turbid.