The raw material of ice powder is ice powder tree, also known as Physalis alkekengi and Pearl Lotus, which is a common solanaceae plant. Its bark is reddish brown or grayish brown, its leaves are oval or oval, its inflorescence is blue bell-shaped, it blooms in summer and bears fruit in autumn.
Ice powder trees are native to Peru and mainly distributed in Yunnan, Guangxi and other places in China. Guizhou, Hunan and Sichuan are also cultivated, and this delicious snack of ice powder also originated here. After soaking the seeds of Physalis alkekengi in water for a long time, filtering the seeds, adding a proper amount of coagulant (such as lime water, etc.), and solidifying for a period of time, the jelly with crystal clear and cool taste was made.
The prepared ice powder can be kept fresh in the refrigerator, but it can't be frozen. Eat it on the same day, because the longer it takes, the more water it melts, and it is not as delicious as just cooked. If it is kept fresh in the refrigerator in summer, the iced taste will be better.
Growth habit of ice powder tree
Ice powder trees grow in mountainous areas at middle and low altitudes, and are widely distributed in Sichuan, Guizhou and other places in China. They have low requirements for soil, and are suitable for growing in loose, fertile, breathable and water-retaining soil rich in humus. The more sunshine, the more vigorous they grow, and they grow well around wasteland, fields and fences.
Ice powder trees are mainly propagated by sowing method and ramet method, with high survival rate. Generally, they can be planted in a place where the soil is wet and the light is sufficient. Sandy loam is the best soil for cultivation. The sowing method needs to be carried out in spring and autumn, and the suitable temperature for germination is 20 to 25 degrees, and the suitable temperature for growth is 22 to 28 degrees. I like high temperature weather.