Snow skin mooncakes stand out among various types of mooncakes due to their unique texture and lower calorie content. The skin of this type of mooncake is made from glutinous rice and contains jam fillings, which are very temperature sensitive and can easily soften or even melt in high temperatures, especially in hot weather. Therefore, the correct storage method is crucial, and it is recommended to always keep snow skin mooncakes in the refrigerator to prevent them from melting. If there are signs of melting on the surface, they should be promptly returned to the refrigerator. Before consuming, they can be taken out half an hour in advance to return to room temperature to avoid a too hard texture.
It is worth noting that snow skin mooncakes should not be left at room temperature for long periods, typically no more than two hours. When storing, they should be individually packaged in sealed bags to avoid mixing with other foods and prevent odor absorption. Additionally, due to the characteristics of snow skin mooncakes, they should not be reheated after freezing; for other types of mooncakes, such as those with meat fillings, it is recommended to heat them before consumption to reduce the risk of digestive discomfort, and portion control should be practiced to avoid overeating.
Making homemade snow skin mooncakes can also be fun. Taking red bean snow skin mooncakes as an example, they can be completed with simple steps: first, roast some glutinous rice flour, mix it with milk, oil, and powdered sugar to form the base, then add the remaining flour ingredients, stir well, steam it, and once cooled, the snow skin is ready. Small balls made of red bean paste serve as the filling, wrapped in the snow skin, formed using molds, and finally dusted with roasted glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking, resulting in delicious red bean snow skin mooncakes. This method is easy to operate, requires no baking, and is healthier and lower in fat, although the filling and color are somewhat uniform.
Another variation is the contrasting red bean snow skin mooncake, which requires soaking red beans in advance and boiling them, then adding sugar to taste and drying them. The production process of the snow skin is similar, but different fruit powders are added to create a colorful outer layer, encasing the red bean filling, and then using molds to shape the vibrant mooncakes. Although this method requires preparation in advance and involves more ingredients, it offers a more eye-catching appearance and nutritious red bean filling, revitalizing traditional mooncakes.