Dried bliss is one of Da Lat's specialties that every tourist desires to savor. This unique Da Lat dish is made from fresh roselle fruits. The dried roselle has a flattened, even shape, slightly depressed in the middle, and puffed around the edges, resembling molded candied fruit. The second type is thinly sliced and then dried. However, both the aroma and taste retain the original essence of this fruit—chewy and sweet.
How is Da Lat dried roselle made?
Roselle plants are extensively cultivated in Da Lat, with almost every household planting this type of tree from August to around February of the following year. After processing, dried roselle can be stored for an extended period for gradual consumption or used as a gift. Are you curious about how to make dried roselle? mytour will introduce the process of making this specialty of Da Lat for you:
The ripe roselle fruits are ripened uniformly to eliminate bitterness. The fruits are manually peeled and evenly arranged on trays, then placed into a charcoal-fueled drying oven.
A drying oven accommodates multiple trays of roselle, stacked one above the other, with charcoal-filled pots underneath for drying.
The drying process takes a considerable amount of time, approximately 1-2 hours. Rotate the roselle slices to ensure uniform drying. Due to the extended drying period, the fruits lose water content and become slightly flattened. You can easily observe the transformation in the shape of the roselle. For a more appealing appearance, as the roselle nears dryness, place them on a plate and shape them using glass bottles or jars.
Tips for Buying Dried Roselle in Da Lat
One of the enticing specialties of Da Lat that captivates buyers is the best-selling dried roselle, favored for its natural sweetness and health benefits. In the market, the dominant brand is Da Lat's dried roselle, a product trusted by consumers over the years. To help tourists in Da Lat purchase quality dried roselle, ensuring its quality for gifting to their families.
According to the experience of seasoned traders in this product, the first distinguishing feature to differentiate dried roselle is its size. Da Lat's dried roselle is processed from locally grown fruits (usually egg-shaped) and is smaller in size compared to those from China.
When selecting dried roselle, travelers should request a taste test, as Chinese roselle usually lacks seeds, unlike Da Lat's dried roselle, which contains seeds inside.
Moreover, Da Lat's dried roselle, when sun-dried, often has a less appealing appearance and a slightly bitter-sweet taste. In contrast, Chinese dried roselle has a more attractive appearance and a sweeter taste. When making a purchase, it's advisable to taste and discern the difference.
Embark on the journey to the city of a thousand flowers and relish the flavor of Da Lat's dried roselle specialty. To acquire this unique delicacy, explore the shopping destinations in Da Lat, such as the market and local grocery stores. Travelers can purchase it as a delightful gift for family, friends, and loved ones.