Kiamoy facts for kids
| Alternative names | ciamoy, kiamuy, kiam muy |
|---|---|
| Type | Sweets |
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Main ingredients | fruits, salt, vinegar, sugar, anise powder |
| Variations | champóy (tsampóy, sampóy, cham-poi); champóy na sampalok (sampalok candy) |
Kiamoy is a popular candy from the Philippines. It is also known as kiamuy or ciamoy. This sweet and sour treat is made from dried fruits. These fruits are often sour plums, prunes, or apricots. They are preserved in a mix of salty water (called brine) and vinegar.
Kiamoy usually has a special powdery coating. This powder is called "kiamoy powder." It is made from anise (a spice that tastes a bit like licorice), salt, and sugar. Sometimes, it also includes "li hing" powder. This red powder comes from plum seeds. Kiamoy often comes in bright red, orange, or light brown colors.
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What is Kiamoy?
Kiamoy is a unique and flavorful candy. It is made by preserving fruits in a special way. The fruits are soaked in a salty water mix. This helps to keep them fresh and gives them a distinct taste.
The powdery coating is a key part of kiamoy. It adds a mix of sweet, salty, and sometimes spicy flavors. This makes kiamoy a very interesting snack.
Where Does Kiamoy Come From?
Kiamoy has a rich history. It was brought to the Philippines by Chinese Filipino immigrants. It comes from a Chinese treat called li hing mui. This means "salted plum" in Chinese. The name "kiamoy" itself comes from a Chinese language called Philippine Hokkien.
Different Kinds of Kiamoy
There is a special type of kiamoy called champóy. It is popular in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. Champóy is made from a local berry. This berry is also known as "champóy" (Myrica rubra).
Unlike regular kiamoy, champóy is usually dark red or black. It tastes mostly sweet and tart. The name "champóy" comes from the Chinese language Cantonese. It means "dried peel plum."
Today, "champóy" can also mean sampalok candy. This candy is made from tamarind balls. They are cooked with sugar or salt. This creates a similar sweet and tart flavor.
How is Kiamoy Used?
Kiamoy is a very popular street food in the Philippines. You can often find it sold near schools. Many people also eat kiamoy to help with car sickness. The strong flavor can help settle an upset stomach.
The special kiamoy powder is also sold on its own. People use it in different ways. It can be a coating for kiamoy chicken. It can also be a dip for fresh fruits. Some popular fruits to dip include pomelo and green mango. People also use it with pickled green mango.
Kiamoy's Journey Across the Ocean
Kiamoy and champóy have influenced other foods. They are believed to be the ancestors of a Mexican treat called saladitos. They also inspired a sauce called chamoy.
These treats traveled a long way. Filipino migrants brought them to New Spain (which is now Mexico). This happened during the time of the Manila Galleons. These were large Spanish ships that sailed between the Philippines and Mexico from 1565 to 1815.
