Top 10 Traditional Candied Fruits for Tết and Their Symbolic Meanings

Peanuts, also known as groundnuts, are often referred to as the 'longevity nuts.' They are rich in nutrients that are beneficial for health and inadvertently carry the symbolism of vitality. While peanuts are typically seen as a snack, they play a crucial role in promoting good health and preventing various illnesses. In addition to other traditional Tết treats like coconut candy, candied ginger, and candied lotus seeds, peanut candy is a popular addition that makes the family’s Tết candy tray even more delightful and diverse.

Ginger candy is a popular treat in many Vietnamese households during the Tết holiday. Its mild spiciness makes it perfect for gathering around a warm cup of tea, sharing stories, and enjoying a few slices of candy. The combination of the subtle sweetness from sugar and the warmth of fresh ginger creates a unique flavor profile that's unlike any other candy. The sweetness mingles with a spicy warmth that lingers in the throat, which is the signature taste of this candy. As such, ginger candy symbolizes a life filled with warmth and happiness in the coming year.

One of the indispensable flavors of Tết is lotus seed candy. It is considered one of the most elegant candies of the holiday season. With its delicate, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor, lotus seed candy provides a delightful experience for the taste buds, thanks to the meticulous preparation process. The lotus seeds, carefully harvested and dried in the summer, are preserved and then coated in sugar to create small, round, golden-colored candies that have a subtle, refined sweetness. Known for its medicinal properties, lotus seeds are used to treat insomnia, poor appetite, indigestion, diarrhea, and dehydration. During Tết, this candy is enjoyed not only for its taste but also as a remedy for common digestive issues.

Eating lotus seed candy offers a memorable taste experience with its sharp sweetness and fragrant aroma. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, creating a pleasant, calming sensation. Offering lotus seed candy to guests symbolizes a year of family reunions and blessings of prosperity and joy in the new year.

The color red is highly favored during Tết, as it is believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and prosperity in the coming year. Tomato candy not only adds a rich flavor to the Tết candy tray but also enhances its visual appeal with its vibrant red hue, making it a perfect addition for the start of the new year. This traditional treat is carefully prepared and has a unique balance of sweet and slightly sour flavors that are both delicious and nutritious. Tomatoes, a common yet health-boosting food, are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and other nutrients that enhance immunity, improve skin health, and help with malnutrition. The lycopene found in tomato skins is also known for its cancer-preventing properties, making tomato candy not only a tasty holiday treat but also a healthful choice to enjoy year-round.

Hibiscus, also known by names such as Roselle, Sour Leaf, or the Eternal Flower, scientifically named Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn, originates from North Africa and South America. It has been recognized in Europe for thousands of years for its remarkable health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, detoxifying the body, supplying essential vitamins, reducing cholesterol, and promoting youthful skin. In recent years, hibiscus has gained popularity for its wide range of uses. During Tết, a vibrant red plate of hibiscus candy on the table brings an extra touch of festivity. The red color symbolizes good fortune and a hopeful start to the new year filled with blessings.

Carrots are often regarded as an affordable yet highly nutritious food, offering benefits such as improving eyesight, supporting heart health, detoxifying the liver, preventing premature aging, and promoting healthy blood circulation. During Tết, it's common for people to buy carrots to make candy, which is then displayed on the table to welcome guests. Carrot candy has a unique, unforgettable taste. The thin slices of carrot, coated with sugar, retain the vibrant orange color of the root, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. So, this Tết, prepare some delicious and beautiful carrot candy to welcome your friends and neighbors!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, tamarind is known for its cooling properties and sour taste, making it an excellent choice for relieving heat, thirst, and improving digestion. Thus, tamarind candy is not only a tasty treat but also a healthful snack, especially beneficial for pregnant women. Its balance of sourness and sweetness can ease nausea and morning sickness, while also boosting immunity and fighting fatigue. During Tết, indulging in tamarind candy offers a perfect remedy for the heavy, spicy foods often consumed, providing a refreshing cooling effect on the body. Additionally, tamarind candy is effective in weight loss and clearing phlegm, making it a healthy choice in moderation.

According to folklore, coconut candy is a traditional treat that many people choose to place on their Tết trays to welcome guests. Made from simple ingredients like coconut meat (shredded into thin strands) and sugar, it can be enhanced with food coloring for decoration. This sweet, fragrant treat captures the essence of Tết, with its rich coconut flavor and festive appearance. Coconut candy is not only delicious but also symbolizes family togetherness and happiness, making it the perfect addition to any Tết celebration.

Winter melon, a common fruit in Vietnamese households, is frequently used in everyday meals. However, during Tết, it is often transformed into a sweet and aromatic candy. When Tết arrives, both children and adults eagerly look forward to tasting Winter Melon Candy. Not only is it easy to enjoy, but it is also believed to symbolize health and prosperity for the coming year. This candy is unique as it is often used in making traditional cakes like mooncakes and pía cakes. With its perfect sweetness, crunchy texture, and distinctive aroma, it is a treat that everyone loves. Additionally, Winter Melon Candy is known for its excellent health benefits, such as detoxifying and promoting liver health, making it a must-have during Tết.

The kumquat tree (also known as the tắc tree) typically blooms and bears fruit around the 6th lunar month, reaching full ripeness just in time for Tết. Not only is it a popular offering on ancestral altars alongside other fruits, but kumquat is also commonly used to make candy. Kumquat Candy is associated with prosperity and well-being: The fruit is typically bright yellow, with seven evenly shaped segments that do not crumble, symbolizing harmony and good fortune for the new year. When enjoying kumquat candy, the sweet, tart, and slightly spicy flavors will dance on your tongue, leaving a warming sensation that is perfect for the cool spring weather.