hawthorn in sugar water

How to Make Sweet and Sour Hawthorn Soup: A Comprehensive Guide

Sweet and sour hawthorn soup, a beloved Chinese dessert, balances tangy hawthorn with a sweet, soothing broth. Perfect for cooling down in summer or warming up in winter, it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients. Here’s a detailed guide to three popular variations.

### Classic Rock Sugar Hawthorn Soup

Start with the most traditional version. You’ll need 500g fresh hawthorns, 100g rock sugar, and 2 cups of water. Rinse hawthorns, remove cores, and cut into halves. Simmer in water for 20 minutes until soft. Add rock sugar, stir until dissolved, and cook for another 5 minutes. For a smoother texture, blend the soup before serving. Enjoy hot or chilled.

### Hawthorn and Apple Soup

For a fruitier twist, add apple. Peel and chop 1 apple (like Fuji or Gala) and mix with 400g hawthorns. Simmer with 3 cups water and 80g brown sugar for 25 minutes. The apple adds natural sweetness and a mellow flavor, balancing hawthorn’s tartness. Blend for a creamy consistency or leave chunky for texture.

### Quick Hawthorn Jelly Soup

Short on time? Try this no-cook method. Soak 10g hawthorn slices in 1 cup hot water for 30 minutes to extract flavor. Strain, add 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon agar powder, and heat until the agar dissolves. Pour into molds and refrigerate for 1 hour until set. Cut into cubes and serve in a light syrup.

Each version offers a unique take on this comforting treat. Adjust sweetness to your taste, and savor the perfect blend of sweet and sour in every spoonful!