Sugar-coated haws

(Candied haw/tang hu lu)

冰糖葫芦

This is an iconic snack in northern China, especially in Beijing.

这是中国北方一种颇具代表性的小吃，在北京尤为有名。

Sold by the stick, the dessert-to-go tastes great and looks greater -- bright red haws line up on a skewer in auspicious shapes, their sugary outer layers glimmering in the light.

这种边走边吃的甜食一串串地卖，味道可口，外表好看——亮红色的山楂喜庆地串成串，外面那层糖衣在阳光下闪闪发亮。

Its nearest counterpart in the West might be toffee apples (known as candy apples in North America). But haws are sourer than apples, so they offer a refreshing contrast to the sweet coating.

与糖葫芦最像的西方小吃是太妃苹果糖（在北美被称作糖苹果）。但山楂比苹果酸，配上糖衣，酸甜味对比风味十足。

Cold northern winters ensure the sugarcoating is firm and crispy.

北方寒冷的冬季保证了糖衣能够保持坚硬酥脆。