Jeonggwa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jeonggwa

Geumgyul-jeonggwa (candied kumquat)
Type	Hangwa
Place of origin	Korea
Main ingredients	Edible fruits, roots, or seeds; honey, mullyeot, or sugar

Jeonggwa (Hangul: 정과; Hanja: 正果) is a special Korean sweet treat. It's a type of hangwa, which means traditional Korean dessert. Jeonggwa is often colorful, a bit see-through, and has a nice chewy texture.

To make Jeonggwa, people boil slices of fruits, roots, or seeds in sweet syrups like honey, rice syrup (called mullyeot), or sugar water. After boiling, the slices are dried. Sometimes, they are even shaped into pretty flowers or other decorative forms. The texture of these candied fruits, roots, or seeds can be similar to jam or jelly.

What is Jeonggwa Made From?

Jeonggwa can be made from many different ingredients. Common choices include fruits like yuja and apricots. It can also be made from roots and vegetables. These include lotus roots, radishes, and carrots.

Some special ingredients are also used. These are ginseng, balloon flower roots, and ginger. Even bamboo shoots and winter melons can become delicious Jeonggwa!

Different Kinds of Jeonggwa

There are two main types of Jeonggwa: Miljeonggwa and Sujeonggwa. They are made a little differently.

Miljeonggwa: Candied Goodness

Miljeonggwa is the most common type. It's made by boiling fruits, roots, or seeds directly in a thick syrup. This syrup is usually made from honey, mullyeot (rice syrup), or sugar. The ingredients soak up the sweetness and become soft and chewy.

Here are a few examples of Miljeonggwa:

• Aengdu-jeonggwa – made from candied Korean cherry.
• Danggeun-jeonggwa – made from candied carrot.
• Doraji-jeonggwa – made from candied balloon flower root.
• Insam-jeonggwa – made from candied Korean ginseng.
• Saenggang-jeonggwa – made from candied ginger.
• Yeongeun-jeonggwa – made from candied lotus root.
• Yuja-jeonggwa – made from candied yuja fruit.

Sujeonggwa: A Sweet Drink

Sujeonggwa (Hangul: 수정과; Hanja: 水正果) is a bit different. It's not a solid sweet but a refreshing drink! To make it, water is boiled first with honey and often spices like cinnamon and ginger. Then, dried fruits are added to this spiced water. Sujeonggwa is usually served cold as a beverage. It's often called "cinnamon punch."

Gallery

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  Hodu-jeonggwa (candied walnut) and maejapgwa

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  Yeotgangjeong and saenggang-jeonggwa (candied ginger)

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  Danggeun-jeonggwa (candied carrot)

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  Sagwa-jeonggwa (candied apple)

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  Drying geumgyul-jeonggwa (candied kumquat) on a drying rack

See also

In Spanish: Jeonggwa para niños