Preserved fruit, also known as candied fruit, is a food product made from fruits and vegetables such as peaches, apricots, plums, dates, or winter melon, ginger and other fruits and vegetables, and then marinated in sugar or honey. In addition to being eaten directly as a snack or snack, candied fruit can also be used as a garnish on cakes, cookies and other confections. Preserves were invented by the Imperial Household during the Ming Dynasty. Beijing and Taiwan are the major production centers of preserves.