What Exactly is Li Hing Mui Powder?
Li hing mui powder is a finely ground seasoning made from dried, salted, and preserved plums that are combined with licorice, salt, sugar, and sometimes food coloring. Originating from China, the preserved plum, known as 'traveling plum,' journeyed to Hawaii with Chinese immigrants in the 19th century and became a local obsession. In its powdered form, it delivers a powerful flavor kick that is equal parts sweet, salty, and tangy. Its versatility has made it a favorite for enhancing everything from fresh fruit to savory snacks.
The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Salty, and Tangy
The taste of li hing mui powder is complex and addictive. The licorice adds a unique sweetness, while the salt and plum provide a tangy and sour punch. It is this trifecta of flavors that makes it so popular and capable of transforming even the most basic foods. The vibrant red or white color of the powder is another defining feature, making dishes not only tastier but more visually appealing.
Creative Ways to Eat Li Hing Mui Powder
There's no single correct way to use this flavor-packed powder. The real fun lies in experimenting with different foods to see what new combinations you can discover. Here are some of the most popular and creative applications:
- On Fresh Fruit: This is arguably the most classic way to enjoy the powder. The tangy flavor complements and enhances the natural sweetness of fruits like pineapple, mango, watermelon, apples, and strawberries. Simply sprinkle it generously over your sliced fruit for a refreshing and irresistible snack.
- Flavoring Candy: Give store-bought gummy bears, sour belts, or other gummy candies a mouth-puckering, sweet-and-sour twist by tossing them in a bag with li hing mui powder. The coating elevates a simple candy to an exciting new level.
- On Popcorn: Forget plain butter and salt. Hurricane popcorn, a Hawaiian classic, involves sprinkling li hing mui powder along with furikake (a Japanese seasoning) over freshly popped corn for a snack with an intense sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.
- In Beverages: Li hing mui powder is not just for solid foods. It can be mixed into lemonade for a bright, refreshing drink or used to rim the glass of a cocktail like a margarita or a tropical concoction. Some recipes even call for infusing liquor directly with the whole li hing mui plums.
- On Frozen Treats: For a true taste of Hawaii, sprinkle the powder over a scoop of shave ice or mix it into a fruit sorbet. The sweet, salty, and tangy profile cuts through the sweetness and adds depth to the cold dessert.
Li Hing Mui in Different Applications
| Application | Best For | Flavor Impact | Tips for Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder | Sprinkling on fruit, popcorn, candy, or beverages | Instant tangy, sweet, and salty flavor | Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Can be mixed with sugar. |
| Whole Plums | Infusing liquor or adding to drinks for a long-steeped flavor | Imparts a deeper, more complex flavor over time | Add several plums to a bottle of tequila or vodka and let it infuse for a few weeks. |
| Candy | Coating other candies, making lollipops, or enjoying as-is | Chewy, sweet-and-sour snack | Use pre-made candy or follow a recipe for homemade li hing drops. |
How to Make Li Hing Mui Powder at Home
If you can't find li hing mui powder at a local market or prefer a homemade, preservative-free version, you can make your own. The process involves grinding preserved plums and adding other ingredients to your taste. Keep in mind that a homemade version may not have the exact same flavor profile as commercially available powders, but it can still be delicious.
- Gather ingredients: Start with a bag of whole, preserved li hing mui plums. You will also need licorice powder, salt, and sugar. Some recipes suggest a small amount of citric acid for an extra tangy kick.
- Process the plums: Grind the dried plums in a clean coffee grinder or a powerful blender until they form a fine powder. Be careful to use only the flesh and not to grind the hard seeds.
- Mix the ingredients: Combine the ground plum with your desired amounts of licorice powder, salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until the powder is uniform. For a brighter red color, some recipes add food coloring.
- Store properly: Once finished, store the powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Conclusion: The Versatility of Li Hing Mui Powder
Li hing mui powder's journey from a traditional Chinese snack to a beloved Hawaiian seasoning is a testament to its unique and addictive flavor profile. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and sour notes, it offers endless culinary possibilities. Whether you're enhancing fresh fruits, spicing up a batch of popcorn, or adding a tropical twist to a cocktail, knowing how to eat li hing mui powder unlocks a new world of flavor. This powerful seasoning is a must-have for anyone looking to add a little bit of Hawaiian sunshine to their kitchen.
Related Resources
To learn more about the history and different varieties of this flavorful treat, see the article on Wikipedia.
What is the difference between li hing mui and li hing mui powder?
Li hing mui refers to the whole dried, preserved plum, while li hing mui powder is the finely ground version of the plum and its seasonings. The whole plum is typically a seed you suck on, whereas the powder is used as a versatile flavoring.
How can I use li hing mui powder on fresh fruit?
The simplest way is to sprinkle it directly over freshly cut pineapple, mango, or watermelon. You can also mix the powder with a little sugar and use it as a dipping powder for slices of apple or pear.
Can I add li hing mui powder to savory dishes?
Yes, its sweet and salty flavor makes it a fantastic addition to savory foods. Try sprinkling it on popcorn, adding it to a marinade for pork or chicken, or mixing it into a salad dressing.
Does li hing mui powder contain aspartame?
Some commercially available versions of li hing mui powder do contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharine. However, many health-conscious brands now offer versions without artificial sweeteners. It is important to check the ingredients list if you want to avoid them.
Is li hing mui powder spicy?
No, li hing mui powder is not spicy. Its flavor profile is a combination of sweet, salty, and tangy notes, and it does not contain any chili or heat.
What is hurricane popcorn?
Hurricane popcorn is a Hawaiian snack that features freshly popped popcorn tossed with melted butter, furikake seasoning (a mix of dried seaweed and sesame seeds), and li hing mui powder for a unique sweet, salty, and savory taste.
How should I store li hing mui powder?
To maintain freshness and prevent clumping, store li hing mui powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Can I mix li hing mui powder into alcoholic beverages?
Yes, li hing mui powder can be used to rim the glass of a margarita or mixed directly into tropical cocktails for a sweet and sour kick. Some people also infuse liquor with the whole plums for a deeper flavor.
