Haw Flakes

Haw Flakes are a Chinese confection made from the fruit of the Chinese hawthorn, typically formed into thin pink discs and sold in stacked cylindrical rolls.

Haw Flakes are a Chinese confection made from the fruit of the Chinese hawthorn, typically formed into thin pink discs and sold in stacked cylindrical rolls. They are sweet, tangy, and crumbly, and are commonly eaten as a snack, served with tea, or consumed alongside bitter herbal medicine. In Canada, Haw Flakes are commonly found in Asian grocery stores and are familiar to many Canadian readers through Chinese and broader East Asian snack culture.

Description

Haw Flakes are a fruit-based candy that is typically pale or dark pink and sold in paper-wrapped rolls or cylindrical stacks. Their flavour is generally described as sweet and tangy, with a dry, crumbly texture.

Ingredients and preparation

The basic ingredients are Chinese hawthorn fruit and sugar, with some modern versions possibly including colouring or preservatives. The fruit is processed into a paste, shaped into thin discs, and dried.

Cultural use

Haw Flakes are commonly associated with Chinese snack culture, where they are served with tea or offered to children. They are also sometimes used alongside bitter herbal medicine, reflecting a traditional digestive association.

Packaging and appearance

A recognizable feature of Haw Flakes is their packaging in small rolls or stacked cylinders. The label art is often described as resembling Chinese fireworks.