Directly translated “Li Hing Mui” means traveling plum and it is no wonder since it is exactly that, a small deeply coloured plum that is cured with salt and then dried, preserving it for travel.
With roots in China these little salty sweet and sour nuggets have traveled all over the world, a secret to those who know but hiding in plain sight in any China town grocery store.
In the early 1900 imported Chinese ingredients started making it on the scene in Hawaii and Li Hing Mui , the traveling plum, had found a home on the Hawaiian islands. Li Hing Mui’s flavour profile was perfect paired with the bounty of fruit on the islands and one of Hawaii's first food trends was born.
Like many crazes or fads demand would eventually …show more content…
But like the flavour dust on a potatoe chip or your favorite cola, when it taste good people are willing to look the other way and indulge. Thankfully there is a roomer that some chefs are developing a qmore natural Li Hing Powder using natural colours and more actual Li Hing Mui.
Hawaii is about the only place you will find Li Hing Powder (unless you go online) and over the years it has made its way from Pineapples and fruit to children's candy or popcorn and works magic dusted over a shave ice or rimming the glass of your favorite cocktail. For some, once food has been dusted with this radiant pink powder there is no going back, happily taking the place of salt when it can, heightening flavours, usually in contrast with something very sweet. Working its magic in addictive ways like hot sauce on Cajun food or salt on caramel creating a little excitement.
Today, the traveling plum continues his journey but thankfully left behind cousin Li Hing in Hawaii for all of us to try next time your back on the