Yishengxing Candied Fruits Introduction
A century-old tradition of Chinese medicine formulas; in the past, when people fell ill, they would generally take Chinese medicine, which is often bitter. To help sick children take the bitter herbal medicine more easily, herbal shops also made some sweet snacks, such as licorice powder, hawthorn cakes, and dried plum cakes. Over time, this series of sweet and sour delicacies, which were meticulously crafted following ancient methods, became quite popular among the locals. Thus, "Yishengxing" also ventured into the candied fruit business. Fresh fruits are pickled and combined with self-developed Chinese medicine formulas, making Yishengxing's herbal candied fruit not only a product of ancient techniques but also a result of careful preparation. Not only is it hygienic, but it is also healthy, with unique flavors. Since Mr. Yang Laoshou established the shop in 1882, it has a history of over a century, surviving through the end of the Qing Dynasty, Japanese rule, and Taiwan’s recovery. Currently, "Yishengtang Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Shop" in Yanping Old Street is still operated by the third generation, Mr. Yang Zhenxi. The fourth generation, known as the "elder third," opened "Yishengxing Candied Fruit" across from the shop to conveniently prepare candied fruits based on traditional herbal medicine formulas.
