“Mứt Tết” refers to fruits or vegetables that have been prepared and canned for long term storage. The preparation of preserved fruit traditionallyinvolves the use of pectin as a gelling agent, although sugar or honeymay be used as well. There are various types of fruit preserves made in Vietnam, and they can be made from sweet or savory ingredients.

“Mứt”is made from all sorts of fruit, including mandarin oranges, apples,banana, coconuts, persimmons and breadfruit. Vegetables like patatoes,carrots and squash are also turned into “Mứt”, as certain types ofblossoms.

Themost famous variety of “Mứt” is made from rose petals or peachblossoms. The raw materials are cleaned and peeled, then soaked insugar and cooked until dry. Other types of “Mứt” have the stickyconsistency of jam. Some varieties, like “cu lac” (peanut jam) arecovered with a thick layer of sugar, but most have thin layer of sugar.

The colors are often quite intense and people serve different types of “Mứt” together, arranged in a colorful display.

In Hanoi, Hang Dieu or Hang Duong Streets in Old Quarter are famous for shops that sell “Mứt”. Preservedfruits are masterpieces in these shops. They make all kinds ofpreserved fruit such as ginger, waxy pumpkin, apple, orange, lemon andcarrot in various shapes and colours.

Towelcome Tet is to welcome the spring. However, in January, which isspring time, the weather in Vietnam is still cold. It is a good idea towarm up with a cup of hot tea and a slice of preserved ginger withgolden yellow colour and a special flavour...