Buzz
In Part 1, we introduced you to the two most famous Đà Lạt preserves: rose petal jam and candied roses. In this sequel, prepare to delve into even more unique and enticing preserves that you definitely shouldn't miss when seeking to fully experience the flavors of Đà Lạt.
Magical Bi-colored Tomato Preserves
Bi-colored tomatoes are a beloved specialty among Đà Lạt preserves enthusiasts. While bi-colored tomato preserves have only emerged alongside Đà Lạt in recent years, they still remain a novelty in the Tet market due to their young age.
The Marvel of Bi-Colored Tomato Preserves
Bi-colored tomatoes are highly favored for their distinctive flavor and miraculous health benefits. Packed with lycopene, these tomatoes boast vibrant red hues, both in their skin and flesh. As a member of the carotenoid group, lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps combat dangerous oxidative stress, thus aiding the body in fighting chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and skin aging.
Savoring dried bi-colored tomato pieces is a delightful experience, with their crispy texture and the satisfying crunch of tomato seeds. Unlike overly sweet treats, dried bi-colored tomatoes, also known as tomato preserves, offer a tangy sensation that evokes the freshness of ripe, juicy tomatoes. Each bite transports you to the orchards of Đà Lạt, capturing the essence of succulent tomatoes.
With Đà Lạt locals' traditional preserve-making methods, the precious nutrients of bi-colored tomatoes are preserved intact. A visit to Đà Lạt wouldn't be complete without indulging in these exquisite preserves. With their unique flavor and remarkable benefits, bi-colored tomato preserves are set to captivate visitors and establish themselves as a local specialty in this misty city.
Fragrant Ginseng Sweet Potato Preserves
Ginseng sweet potatoes are one of the unique delights among various Đà Lạt preserves. It's hard for anyone to resist the allure of these delectable packages adorning the shelves of Đà Lạt's stores. Unlike the typical sweet potato preserves found in markets during Tet, Đà Lạt's ginseng sweet potato preserves are irresistibly chewy and fragrant. Each piece, about the size of a pinky finger, gleams with a golden hue, exuding the essence of sweet potatoes.
Locals in Đà Lạt call them ginseng sweet potatoes, perhaps because they resemble ginseng roots. And could it be because they're as nourishing as ginseng? We're not sure about the nutritional benefits of ginseng sweet potatoes, but from the very first bite, one can sense their peculiar fragrance and chewiness, reminiscent of sticky rice but with a delightful resilience. Upon closer examination, one detects a refreshing hint of ginseng and the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes. This delicacy is destined to become everyone's favorite.
Sweet potatoes have long been regarded as a substitute for grains and vegetables, rich in carotenoids and vitamin C absent in grains. High in pectin fiber, sweet potatoes aid digestion and cholesterol reduction. Hence, it's evident that ginseng sweet potato preserves are a nutritious choice for human health.
Delectable Dried Strawberry Preserves
Dried strawberry preserves are a new local specialty from the people of Đà Lạt. Strawberries thrive in Đà Lạt due to its favorable terrain and climate. Leveraging the abundance of strawberries, locals have innovated various delicious and nutritious treats, including strawberry preserves.
Making Đà Lạt preserves is simple, especially when it comes to chewy strawberry preserves. Just clean and coat the strawberries with sugar, then simmer over low heat. Voilà! You have a jar of fragrant, intensely fruity preserves to enjoy with bread or in other enticing beverages. Drying strawberry preserves is a bit more complex. You must halve or quarter the strawberries, coat them in sugar, then dry them... The finished product retains the alluring red hue of fresh strawberries, irresistibly enticing. Indulge in the strawberry flavor with each crispy, refreshing bite.
Strawberries are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, offering benefits such as memory retention, cancer prevention, and skin rejuvenation. Even when turned into preserves, strawberries retain their nutritional value and health benefits for humans.
You can purchase preserves at various dining establishments around the outskirts of Đà Lạt market or visit production facilities directly such as Kiều Giang Preserve Oven (223 Bis Mai Anh Đào, opposite Dreamy Hill Tourist Area), Phương Lan Strawberry Garden and Preserve Oven (48 Phù Đổng Thiên Vương), and Thanh Uyên Artichoke Preserve Oven (125A Trần Quang Khải).
