Homemade Asian Vegan Haw Flakes Recipe

Haw flakes are a delightful sweet snack made from hawthorn fruit, known for their sweet and slightly tangy flavor. They are popular in many Asian countries and can be enjoyed on their own or used in various desserts. Here’s how to make your own haw flakes at home with our Homemade Asian Vegan Haw Flakes Recipe !

Ingredients

• 1,150g fresh hawthorn berries (approximately 1 kg after pitting)
• 700g rock sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water (for cooking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hawthorn Berries

1. Remove the stems and pits from the hawthorn berries. You can slice them open to make it easier to remove the seeds.
2. Rinse the prepared hawthorn berries under cold water to clean them.

Step 2: Steam the Hawthorn Berries

1. Place the cleaned hawthorn berries in a steamer basket over boiling water.
2. Steam the berries for about 25 minutes until they are soft.

Step 3: Blend into a Paste

1. After steaming, transfer the hawthorn berries to a blender.
2. Add the rock sugar and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If necessary, add a little water to help with blending, but be careful not to make it too watery.

Step 4: Set the Mixture

1. Pour the blended hawthorn paste into a clean container or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Spread it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 5: Dry the Paste

1. Preheat your oven to 90°C (194°F) or set your air fryer to a similar low temperature.
2. Place the container or baking sheet in the oven and let it dry for about 3 hours, or until it feels firm and no longer sticky.
3. If using an air fryer, check frequently to avoid over-drying.

Step 6: Cut into Flakes

1. Once dried, remove the hawthorn paste from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Cut into thin disks or squares, about 2 mm thick.

Step 7: Store Your Haw Flakes

1. Store the haw flakes in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
2. They can last for several weeks if kept away from moisture.

Tips for Making Haw Flakes

• Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of rock sugar based on your sweetness preference.
• Flavor Variations: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or other fruit purees for additional flavor profiles.
• Drying Methods: If you have a dehydrator, you can also use that instead of an oven for drying.

Traditional Desserts That Use Haw Flakes

Haw flakes are not only enjoyed as a snack but also incorporated into various desserts. Here are some traditional and creative dessert ideas that feature haw flakes:

1. Haw Flake Butter Cake: A classic butter cake recipe can be enhanced by adding crushed haw flakes, giving it a unique berry-like flavor. The tanginess of the haw flakes complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
2. Haw Flake Cookies: These cookies combine oats and haw flakes for a chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor. They are perfect for tea time or as a nostalgic treat.
3. Haw Flake Jelly: A refreshing dessert made by dissolving haw flakes in water, sweetening it, and setting it with gelatin or agar-agar to create a light jelly.
4. Hawthorn Fruit Sorbet: Blend haw flakes with water and sugar to create a sorbet that captures the essence of hawthorn fruit, perfect for a refreshing summer dessert.
5. Haw Flake Pudding: Incorporate crushed haw flakes into rice pudding or coconut pudding for added flavor and texture.

Health Benefits of Eating Haw Flakes

Haw flakes offer several health benefits due to their nutritional content:

1. Digestive Aid: Hawthorn berries are known for their ability to aid digestion and improve appetite, making haw flakes beneficial for digestive health.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Hawthorn is rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress.
3. Heart Health: Some studies suggest that hawthorn may support heart health by improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure.
4. Nutrient Content: Haw flakes contain vitamins (such as vitamin C), minerals (like calcium and iron), and organic acids that contribute to overall health.

Ingredients That Pair Well with Haw Flakes in Baking

When baking with haw flakes, consider these complementary ingredients:

1. Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest enhances the sweet-tart flavor of haw flakes.
2. Nuts: Almonds or walnuts add crunch and richness to baked goods featuring haw flakes.
3. Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries or raisins can add additional sweetness and texture.
4. Spices: Cinnamon or ginger can provide warmth and depth to desserts containing haw flakes.
5. Chocolate: Dark chocolate pairs well with the tanginess of haw flakes, creating a delicious contrast.

How Do Haw Flakes Compare to Other Dried Fruits in Terms of Taste?

Haw flakes have a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from other dried fruits:

• Sweetness and Tartness: While many dried fruits like raisins or apricots are predominantly sweet, haw flakes offer a balance of sweetness with a distinct tangy flavor due to the natural acidity of the hawthorn fruit.
• Texture: Haw flakes are thin, crisp disks that dissolve easily in the mouth, contrasting with the chewier textures of dried figs or dates.
• Flavor Complexity: The taste of haw flakes is often described as fruity yet slightly sour, making them more complex than many other dried fruits that tend to be straightforwardly sweet.

These characteristics make haw flakes a delightful addition to various dishes, offering both unique flavors and health benefits!

Homemade haw flakes are not only delicious but also allow you to control the ingredients and sweetness level. Enjoy them as a snack, use them in desserts, or share them with friends and family for a taste of this traditional treat!