Crack seed (Chinese: 話梅; pinyin: Huàméi) is a category of snacks that originated in China. It is highly popular in many regions, such as Hawaii. Crack seed are basically preserved fruits that have been cracked or split with the seed or kernel partially exposed as a flavor enhancement. Common Chinese terms for this type of snack are Li hing mui and see mui . The snack arrived to Hawaii with Cantonese immigrants in the 19th century, when they were brought to work in the plantations.
The flavours are varied, ranging from extremely sweet and salty to sour flavours. Flavours can include rock salt plum, honey mango, licorice peach, or any kind of combination of fruits, flavours and type of preservatives used. The largest flavour innovator in the crack seed market is the Yick Lung Company (translates to 'profitable enterprise'), which produces and distributes many varieties. What originally was a preserved fruit has become a favourite snack in Hawaii and a sample of a cultural food.
Crack seed stores also sell candies such as gummi bears, and Sour Patch Kids, coated with Li Hing Mui.
Famous quotes containing the words crack and/or seed:
“‘Tis not such lines as almost crack the stage
When Bajazet begins to rage;
Nor a tall met’phor in the bombast way,
Nor the dry chips of short-lunged Seneca.
Nor upon all things to obtrude
And force some odd similitude.
What is it then, which like the power divine
We only can by negatives define?”
—Abraham Cowley (1618–1667)
“He who eats the fruit should at least plant the seed; ay, if possible, a better seed than that whose fruit he has enjoyed.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)