Five quintessential autumn treats to try in Beijing
Seasonal delights and treats this season
Despite that autumn might be short lived in Beijing, there's still a variety of treats coming into the season and offering us a taste of the harvest period. And what better way to sample them than local staples that are found in every corner of the city? Here're five delish, most in-season treats to try in the capital.
Hairy crabs 大闸蟹
Hairy crabs are traditionally regarded as an autumn delicacy as they are only available during the months of September and October. These medium-sized crabs are also known as mitten crabs for their furry claws resembling mittens. They are enjoyed for their subtle and sweet taste, though many find it a hassle as it is often a chore picking out those little sweet morsels of meat out. Don't fret. Follow our guide here to best savour the crustacean.
Find it: You can try this autumn treat in plenty of local restaurants across the city.
Hawthorn 山楂
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
With a shape like a crabapple, hawthorn is usually enjoyed in the form of tanghulu, a skewer of sugar-coated berries that taste sweet and crunchy on the outside, and soft and tangy on the inside (think a ripe apple) – sure to satify your sour tooth. Mainly grown in high-altitude regions in northern China, fresh hawthorn can be found on the shelves in fall and winter and boast a number of health benefits, like aiding digestion and easing blood pressure and other heart diseases – just more reasons you should try it on a stick then.
Find it: Fresh hawthorns and tanghulu are commonly found at local supermarket, wet market and local street food vendors.
Roasted chestnuts 糖炒栗子
When the first cold wind comes to the city, you will be able to catch a whiff of its woody aroma even before you see the local vendors selling these roasted chestnuts on the streets. They usually come in sweet and savoury flavours and the city’s supply often come from Beijing’s mountainous regions which are ideal conditions for growing chestnuts. Autumn is the best time to indulge in them as they are in season and are at its biggest.
Find it: You can find on most busy and touristy streets – just look out for the long queues.
Pomegranate 石榴
You’ll often see street vendors selling pomegranate fruits or freshly squeezed pomegranate juice on almost every corner of Beijing during the autumn months. Locals believe that pomegranates can help the body detox from the effects of pollution. But for those who rather stick strictly to western medical concepts, the fruit is still rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and other nutrients like magnesium, calcium and zinc. The fruits were first introduced to China during the Tang Dynasty and are now mostly grown in the southern regions of China and then distributed nationwide.
Find it: Fresh pomegranate juice can be bought on the streets and a small bottle will cost you roughly 10RMB.
Sweet potato
While sweet potatoes were only introduced to China in the 16th century, it soon become an important part of peoples’ diet and remains a very popular snack today. If you don’t fancy its cloying taste, you might want to consider its health benefits. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins B and C, magnesium and the important antioxidant beta-carotene.
Find it: Just follow your nose on any street of Beijing and you will easily find sweet potatoes which are sold on vendors’ tricycles, in the supermarkets and food market streets.
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