Mid-Autumn Festival Customs and Mooncakes

Mid-Autumn Festival Customs

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which typically falls between September and October in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is one of the traditional Chinese holidays, symbolizing reunion and harvest. The specific date varies each year according to the lunar calendar, but it always occurs in the middle of autumn.

Celebration activities for the Mid-Autumn Festival include moon gazing, eating mooncakes, carrying lanterns, and gathering with family. This festival is not only significant in China but also has similar celebrations in other East Asian countries such as Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, families come together to celebrate this beloved holiday under the bright moonlight. One of the most iconic symbols of this festival is the mooncake, a delicacy that has evolved over centuries. While traditional mooncakes hold a special place in our hearts, modern variations are gaining popularity with their innovative flavors and healthier ingredients.

The Charm of Mooncakes

Mooncakes have been a part of Chinese culture for centuries, symbolizing reunion and harmony. During family gatherings, people not only enjoy these delicious pastries but also attribute deep cultural significance to them. Classic mooncakes are typically filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk, but today's mooncakes embrace a variety of flavors, making them more appealing.

Modern Flavors to Meet Contemporary Needs

This year, we are introducing a series of panda-themed modern Chinese mooncakes that are neither too sweet nor greasy, featuring fresh fruits and matcha. Each mooncake is individually packaged and sealed with aluminum foil to ensure freshness and convenience. Here are the eight enticing flavors included in this collection:

1. Matcha Cheesecake Flavor:  
   A matcha shortcrust pastry filled with creamy cheese filling, salted egg yolk crumbs, and a flowing salted egg yolk center, made with premium New Zealand cheese for a rich and savory taste.

2. Cantonese-Style Salted Egg Yolk and Lotus Seed Paste Flavor:  
   This classic mooncake features smooth white lotus seed paste with a whole salted egg yolk, embodying traditional Cantonese pastry flavors.

3. Cheese and Nut Flavor:  
   A cheese shortcrust pastry filled with New Zealand cheese, dried cranberries, pistachios, macadamia nuts, almonds, and walnuts, creating a delightful blend of cheese and nutty flavors.

4. Custard Lava Flavor:  
   Rich custard filling encased in a soft pastry, with a fragrant and delightful flowing salted egg yolk center.

5. Matcha and Rose Filling Flavor:  
   This visually appealing mooncake features a matcha shortcrust pastry with fragrant rose petal filling, salted egg yolk crumbs, and a luscious salted egg yolk lava.

6. Mung Bean, Osmanthus, and Cheese Flavor:  
   (Description missing, but it promises a unique blend of flavors.)

7. Apple and Cinnamon Flavor:  
   A thick shortcrust pastry filled with sweet apple and a hint of cinnamon, offering a sophisticated taste that combines fruity and milky notes.

8. Longan and Red Date Flavor:  
   This warm cake pastry features delicious longan and red date filling, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a sweet and comforting flavor with distinct layers.

Packaging and Storage

These mooncakes are beautifully packaged in boxes with a diameter of 27 cm and a thickness of 6.4 cm. They have a shelf life of 90 days, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Please store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and refrigerate after opening to enjoy them as soon as possible.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, indulge in these mooncakes that blend traditional and modern flavors. Whether sharing with family or gifting to friends, these mooncakes will bring joy and sweetness to your festivities. Let us savor the traditional delights together during this festive occasion of reunion and harmony!