Chinese pastry traditionally eaten in Mid-Autumn Festival
Moon cakes are a Chinese pastry traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival on August 15th of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Typical moon cakes are round or rectangular, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and 4-5 cm thick. Most moon cakes consist of a thin tender skin and a sweet and oily filling. The moon cake may contain one or more whole salted egg yolks in its center to symbolize the full moon. Moon cakes are heavy and dense compared with most western cakes and pastries. They are usually eaten in small slices accompanied by Chinese tea.
Traditional moon cakes have an imprint on top consisting of the Chinese characters for longevity or harmony. Imprints of the moon, a woman (Chang'e, character in a legend) on the moon, flowers, vines or a rabbit may surround the characters for additional decoration.
Typical moon cakes are round or rectangular, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and 4-5 cm thick. Most moon cakes consist of a thin tender skin and a sweet and oily filling. The moon cake may contain one or more whole salted egg yolks in its center to symbolize the full moon. Moon cakes are heavy and dense compared with most western cakes and pastries. They are usually eaten in small slices accompanied by Chinese tea.
Traditional moon cakes have an imprint on top consisting of the Chinese characters for longevity or harmony. Imprints of the moon, a woman (Chang'e, character in a legend) on the moon, flowers, vines or a rabbit may surround the characters for additional decoration.