Mooncakes, as an ancient traditional pastry, can be traced back to the Yin and Zhou periods. There was a kind of “Taishi Cake” in Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions with thin edges and thick centers, which is considered the origin of mooncakes. Today, mooncakes have become an indispensable part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, widely loved by people. While enjoying the delicious treat, many people are concerned if eating mooncakes will cause internal heat.
In fact, although mooncakes are not fried or smoked products, due to their high sugar content, high fat content, and baking process, excessive consumption may indeed lead to internal heat. Especially for people with oily skin, it may cause acne; the sweet and indigestible nature of mooncakes may lead to food retention in the stomach, causing internal heat to rise; in addition, mooncakes often contain nuts like melon seeds and peanuts, which are prone to causing internal heat, increasing the risk of internal heat.
To enjoy mooncakes healthily, it is essential to know the correct way of consumption. Firstly, controlling the amount eaten is key, adults should not exceed 200 grams each time, while children, elderly, and pregnant women should limit it to less than 100 grams, not necessarily a daily necessity but for occasional enjoyment. Secondly, drinking warm water before and after eating helps relieve dry throat, aid in swallowing, and prevent internal heat. Furthermore, consuming fruit alongside mooncakes can effectively balance out the heatiness of mooncakes with the coolness and moisture of fruits, supplementing the lacking vitamins in mooncakes. If concerned about internal heat, drinking a cup of cool tea like Xingqun Xia Sangju after meals, or having apple cider vinegar beverages, can help reduce internal heat effectively.
Regarding the storage of mooncakes, unopened mooncakes usually have a shelf life of 20 to 90 days depending on the type and packaging. It is important to note that homemade mooncakes should be consumed within 2-3 days to ensure freshness. Once opened, mooncakes can only be stored at room temperature for a few hours, and in the refrigerator for not more than two days.
If mooncakes become too hard, it is likely due to insufficient oil content during production or excessive baking time leading to moisture loss. The making of mooncake skin should involve the use of oil instead of water; otherwise, the mooncakes may deform, crack easily, and gradually harden during storage, affecting the texture.
In conclusion, mooncakes symbolize reunion and are a delicious emblem of the Mid-Autumn Festival, but due to their high calories and sugar content, enjoying them in moderation and with a balanced diet is key to fully appreciating this traditional delicacy.
