As a supplier of Chinese Old Wife Cake, I am excited to share with you the main ingredients that make this traditional pastry so unique and delicious. Chinese Old Wife Cake, also known as "Lao Po Bing" in Mandarin, is a popular snack with a rich history and a distinct flavor profile. It has been enjoyed by people in China and around the world for generations.
The Outer Layer: Flaky Pastry
The outer layer of the Chinese Old Wife Cake is one of its most distinctive features. It is made from a combination of flour, water, and fat, typically lard or vegetable oil. The process of making the pastry involves creating a flaky texture by layering the dough with fat and then rolling it out multiple times. This results in a pastry that is light, crispy, and melts in your mouth.
- Flour: The type of flour used is usually all - purpose flour. It provides the structure for the pastry. The gluten in the flour forms a network that holds the shape of the cake during baking. A good quality flour ensures a tender and well - formed outer crust.
- Water: Water is used to hydrate the flour and activate the gluten. The right amount of water is crucial; too much will make the dough too sticky, while too little will result in a dry and crumbly pastry.
- Fat: As mentioned earlier, lard or vegetable oil is commonly used. Lard gives the pastry a rich, buttery flavor and a very flaky texture. Vegetable oil is a more modern alternative, which is suitable for those who prefer a non - animal fat option. The fat is cut into the flour to create small pieces that, when baked, turn into air pockets, giving the pastry its characteristic flakiness.
The Filling: A Sweet and Savory Blend
The filling of the Chinese Old Wife Cake is where the real magic happens. It is a combination of sweet and savory flavors that balance each other perfectly. There are different types of fillings, but some of the most common ingredients include:
- Winter Melon: Winter melon is a key ingredient in many Chinese Old Wife Cake fillings. It has a mild, sweet flavor and a soft, slightly chewy texture. The winter melon is usually peeled, seeded, and then cooked with sugar and other seasonings. It is often candied to enhance its sweetness and preserve it. You can check out our Winter Melon Wife Cake for a delicious example of a winter - melon - filled Old Wife Cake.
- Red Beans: Red beans are another popular filling option. They are cooked until soft and then mashed. Red beans have a natural sweetness and a creamy texture. They are often sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with vanilla or other spices. The red bean filling adds a rich, earthy flavor to the cake.
- Walnuts and Sesame Seeds: These nuts and seeds are added to the filling for their crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Walnuts are rich in healthy fats and have a slightly bitter - sweet taste. Sesame seeds, on the other hand, have a distinct, nutty aroma and add a nice crunch. They are often toasted to enhance their flavor before being added to the filling.
- Salt and Spices: A small amount of salt is added to the filling to balance out the sweetness. Other spices such as cinnamon or star anise may also be used in some recipes to add a hint of warmth and complexity to the flavor.
The Binding Agent: Maltose or Glucose Syrup
To hold the filling together and give it a sticky, cohesive texture, maltose or glucose syrup is often used. These syrups are thick and sweet, and they help to bind the ingredients in the filling and prevent it from falling apart. Maltose has a rich, caramel - like flavor, while glucose syrup is more neutral in taste.
The Secret to a Great Chinese Old Wife Cake
The key to making a great Chinese Old Wife Cake lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The flaky pastry should be light and crispy, while the filling should be sweet but not overly so, with a hint of savory notes. The combination of the crunchy nuts and seeds, the soft winter melon or red beans, and the sticky binding agent creates a harmonious blend of textures that is truly irresistible.
We also offer a Crispy Wife Cake, which has a unique, extra - crispy outer layer that takes the traditional Old Wife Cake to the next level. And for those who love winter melon, our Winter Melon Puff is a must - try. It has a similar filling but a different, puffier pastry that is equally delicious.
Our Commitment as a Supplier
As a supplier of Chinese Old Wife Cake, we are committed to using high - quality ingredients in all our products. We source our winter melons, red beans, and other ingredients from trusted farmers and suppliers to ensure the best flavor and quality. Our production process follows strict hygiene and safety standards to guarantee that our customers receive a safe and delicious product.
We understand the importance of authenticity and tradition when it comes to Chinese pastries. That's why we adhere to traditional recipes and techniques while also making some modern adjustments to meet the changing tastes and preferences of our customers. Whether you are a small bakery looking to add a unique item to your menu or a large retailer interested in stocking our products, we can provide you with the quantity and quality you need.
Contact Us for Procurement
If you are interested in purchasing our Chinese Old Wife Cakes or other related products, we invite you to contact us for a procurement discussion. We can offer you competitive prices, flexible order quantities, and excellent customer service. Our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect product for your needs.
References
- "Chinese Pastries: Recipes and Stories" by Wang Mei.
- "The Art of Chinese Baking" by Li Jun.
