A century-old sweet remedy: Shanghai pear syrup candy – take away a piece of Shanghai-style health wisdom!
Among the many unique souvenirs from Shanghai, pear syrup candy is undoubtedly one of the most historically significant and possesses unique medicinal properties. It is more than just candy; it is a sweet remedy embodying centuries of traditional Chinese medicine wisdom , and an indispensable part of the lives of old Shanghainese.
Pear syrup candy originated in the Qing Dynasty and is said to have a history of over 300 years. It is made primarily from pear juice, combined with various Chinese herbs, and is believed to have lung-moistening, cough-relieving, saliva-generating, and appetite-stimulating effects. Especially during dry seasons, sucking on a piece of pear syrup candy can effectively soothe a sore throat. In Shanghai, the City God Temple is one of the birthplaces of pear syrup candy, and some time-honored shops there, such as Dexing Restaurant and those in Yu Garden, still retain the traditional production techniques.
Why is pear syrup candy a unique Shanghai souvenir?
- Food and medicine share the same origin: combining delicious taste with health benefits, it is an excellent choice for friends who value health.
- Long history: Every piece of pear syrup candy contains profound historical and cultural heritage, telling the story of old Shanghai.
- Diverse flavors: In addition to traditional flavors such as mint, fritillaria, and herbs, there are now more innovative options to satisfy different people's preferences.
- Cultural symbol: It represents Shanghai's inheritance and innovation of traditional culture and serves as a window into experiencing the wisdom of Shanghai-style life.
Purchase tips and recommendations:
For purchasing Shanghai pear syrup candy , I highly recommend visiting the Yu Garden Bazaar near the City God Temple . This area boasts many century-old brands, such as Dexingguan , whose pear syrup candy is exquisitely made and has an authentic taste. When purchasing, please keep the following points in mind:
- Brand Certification: Choose brands with "China Time-Honored Brand" or Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage certification for better quality assurance.
- Flavor selection: Try different flavors, such as refreshing mint, lung-moistening fritillaria flavor, or a combination of herbal flavors. There's bound to be one that suits you.
- Exquisite packaging: Many time-honored brands offer beautifully designed gift boxes, which not only keep the candies fresh but also show their thoughtfulness.
Friendly reminder: Authentic pear syrup candy has a subtle herbal aroma when it melts in your mouth, rather than just a pure sweetness. If you encounter one that is overly sweet or has an excessive artificial flavor, it may not be the traditional, authentic version.
Taking home a box of Shanghai pear syrup candy is not just about taking away sweetness, but also about taking away Shanghai's wisdom on health and wellness and its respect for traditional culture. Let this unique gift bring health and blessings to your loved ones.