🌑 Sesame paste: A bowl of classic Hong Kong-style dessert that carries ancient wisdom

Every time I walk into a dessert shop, I can't resist the allure of sesame paste! That thick, black, sweet soup, fragrant with sesame aroma, is truly heartwarming and comforting. But sesame paste is more than just a bowl of sweet soup; it holds a rich history and culture. Let's explore the origins of sesame paste and discover why it's become a Hong Kong classic!

📜 The historical origins of sesame paste

1. Originated from the ancient Chinese dietary therapy culture

The history of sesame paste dates back thousands of years in China. As early as the Shennong Herbal Classic and the Compendium of Materia Medica, black sesame seeds were recorded as a "top-grade" ingredient, believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, moisturize the five internal organs, boost energy, and nourish the blood and hair . Ancient people already knew how to grind sesame seeds and cook them into a paste as a healthy sweet treat.

2. Fusion of Northern and Southern Tangshui Culture

Paste desserts, such as walnut paste, almond paste, and sesame paste, are particularly popular in southern China. While northern China may have less of a sugar culture, black sesame seeds are often used in pastries and cakes. With population mobility and culinary changes, sesame paste in the south has gradually become a popular dessert.

3. The evolution of Hong Kong dessert shops

In the mid-20th century, Cantonese immigrants to Hong Kong brought with them a culture of sweet soups, and sesame paste naturally became a staple. Hong Kong sweet soup shops streamlined the traditional process and adapted it to local tastes, making sesame paste a guaranteed late-night snack and after-dinner dessert.

🥄 Characteristics of sesame paste

1. Taste and Texture

• Aroma : Sesame seeds are roasted, ground and boiled to release their rich aroma.
• Thick and smooth : smooth on the mouth, with a little stickiness, as if warm flowing into the throat.
• Black and attractive : Deep black color symbolizes health and energy.

2. Dietary therapeutic effects

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that sesame paste has the following effects:

• Nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence🧘♂️
• Lubricates the intestines and promotes bowel movements🌱
• Black hair and beauty💇♀️
• Provide high-quality protein and vitamin E 💪

Therefore, sesame paste is not only a dessert, but also a health-conscious choice!

🌟 Why has sesame paste become a classic?

1. Common people’s health wisdom

Sesame seeds are affordable yet highly nutritious. Ancient people ground them into a paste, which is both easy to digest and absorb, making it a healthy and affordable dessert.

2. Representative of Hong Kong-style dessert culture

Hong Kong people like to go to dessert shops to "enjoy the bowl" after dinner. Sesame paste is suitable for consumption all year round, whether it is eaten cold in summer or hot in winter.

3. From Homestyle to High-End

From neighborhood dessert shops to high-end Chinese restaurants, sesame paste has its place. Adding glutinous rice balls, glutinous rice balls, or almond slices to the mix creates a variety of variations.

🍧 Sesame paste variations

Modern people are full of creativity, and there are many new ways to play with sesame paste:

• Sesame paste with glutinous rice balls : a classic combination with a richer taste🥟
• Sesame ice cream/sesame milkshake : a fusion of East and West, a favorite among young people 🍦
• Sesame paste cake, sesame paste jelly : bringing tradition into the new trend of desserts 🎂

💡 Editor's Summary

The origins of sesame paste can be described as a fusion of history, culture, and health-preserving wisdom . From the ancient concept of combining medicine and food, to its widespread popularity in Hong Kong dessert shops, to today's diverse and innovative offerings, sesame paste has always retained its classic status.

For me, a bowl of hot and spicy sesame paste is not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a sense of peace and nostalgia. 🍵

👉 Next time you visit a dessert shop, remember to order a bowl of sesame paste and savor the blend of ancient wisdom and modern sweetness!