Sealed vacuum, blocking out enemies
The softness of the mooncake comes from its high water content. To prevent moisture loss, it's important to keep them airtight. You can use plastic wrap or a food-grade ziplock bag to wrap the mooncake tightly and squeeze out the air inside to create as much of a vacuum as possible. This will effectively block the outside air and prevent the mooncakes from drying out and hardening.
Refrigeration, room temperature
Low temperatures can slow down the reproduction of microorganisms and extend the shelf life of food. Therefore, refrigeration is the best option for preserving homemade runny mooncakes. Place the mooncakes in the freezer of the refrigerator at a temperature controlled between 4-8 degrees Celsius. In such an environment, the mooncakes can be kept for about 5-7 days.
If refrigeration is not possible, you can also choose to keep them at room temperature, but the shelf life will be relatively shorter. Place the mooncakes in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Note that mooncakes kept at room temperature are susceptible to bacterial growth, so please observe them carefully before consumption and do not eat them if they show signs of spoilage.
Avoid high temperatures and insulate from water vapor
High temperatures are the enemy of mooncakes. High temperatures accelerate the evaporation of water from mooncakes, causing them to harden and spoil. Therefore, never place mooncakes in a hot environment.
Be careful to insulate water vapor. Excessive humidity can make mooncakes moist and soft. Therefore, keep mooncakes away from water sources and make sure the preservation environment remains dry and ventilated.
Special flavors, special preservation
Common fillings in runny mooncakes include egg yolk, lotus seed paste and bean paste. The difference in these fillings also affects how the mooncakes are preserved.
Taking egg yolk runners as an example, egg yolks are rich in protein and are prone to spoilage. As a result, the refrigerated shelf life of egg yolk mooncakes is much shorter, and they can generally only be kept for 2-3 days. If kept at room temperature, it's best to consume them on the same day.
Thoughtful tips to prolong the flavor
In addition to the above preservation methods, there are a few more tips that can help you prolong the deliciousness of the mooncakes:
Heating them up a little bit before serving can make them softer and more sticky.
If the mooncake crust appears to harden, microwave it at a low temperature for 10-15 seconds to restore fluffiness.
Making the mooncakes in batches and eating them as you go will ensure their freshness.