Shanzha, also known as hawthorn berries, are among the most commonly used fruits in Chinese medicine. Since ancient times they have been considered one of the best medicines for strengthening the spleen, promoting digestion, relieving food retention and quickening circulation.

In Chinese medicine theory, the hawthorn berry is combined with other herbs to relieve indigestion, loss of appetite, infant diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain and postpartum blood stasis. In addition to its medical benefits, the fruit has a sweet-and-sour taste that’s appealing to most people.

Its popularity in China has helped the hawthorn berry to find a place in many dishes and snacks. The most famous would be tanghulu, a candied kabob of the fruits.

Tanghulu is an Old Beijing snack of candied hawthorn berries on a kabob stick. Today it is widely available in most Chinese cities. Although tanghulu is traditionally made only of hawthorn berries, in recent years, vendors have been experimenting with cherry tomatoes, mandarin oranges, strawberries, blueberries, bananas and grapes.

Shanzha sticks were a popular snack in the 1990s. In the old days they were usually consumed during the holiday season. For the older generation, shanzha sticks covered in granulated sugar represent abundance and happiness. Many young people love shanzha with lotus roots. It is tasty and highly nutritious. The vivid color contrast between the white lotus roots and bright red hawthorn berries is both appetizing and appealing to the eye. Many Chinese restaurants in Beijing serve the dish, especially those that specialize in southern cuisine. It’s also very easy to cook at home.

It is said that shanzha with pork is good for food stagnation, bloating and nausea. It’s also considered helpful for patients who are dealing with high blood pressure, fatty blood or indigestion. The dish is only made with hawthorn berries and pork because popular tradition prohibits eating hawthorns with seafood or lemon flavors.

Hawthorn berry dumplings are not a normal dish in Chinese cuisine. People who hear of it for the first time often feel uncomfortable with the idea of stuffing dumplings with hawthorns. However, the dish is gaining popularity among young diners – especially those trying to lose weight. Hawthorn berry dumplings are considered a healthy, low-calorie alternative to more traditional fillings.

Source: beijingtoday.com.cn