What is Mooncake made of?

* Lotus Seed Paste: This is the most common filling for mooncakes. It is made from lotus seeds that have been soaked, steamed, and pureed. The paste can be sweetened or unsweetened, and may also include other ingredients such as nuts or dried fruit.

* Red Bean Paste: Another popular filling for mooncakes, red bean paste is made from red beans that have been soaked, steamed, and pureed. It is typically sweetened and may also include other ingredients such as nuts or dried fruit.

* Five-Kernel Paste: This filling is made from a combination of five different nuts and seeds, typically including almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. The nuts and seeds are ground into a paste and sweetened.

* Walnut Paste: This filling is made from walnuts that have been ground into a paste. It is typically sweetened and may also include other ingredients such as sugar, honey, or corn syrup.

* Coconut Paste: This filling is made from grated coconut that has been mixed with sugar and water. It may also include other ingredients such as coconut cream or milk, or dried coconut flakes.

Other Ingredients:

* Mooncake Skin: The skin of a mooncake is typically made from a combination of flour, water, oil, and sugar. It can be either thin and crispy or thick and chewy.

* Salted Egg Yolk: A common addition to mooncakes, salted egg yolks are typically placed in the center of the filling. They add a rich and salty flavor to the mooncake.

* Dried Fruit: Dried fruits such as raisins, dates, and apricots are often added to mooncakes for sweetness and texture.

* Nuts: Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are also common additions to mooncakes. They add flavor and texture, and can also be used to decorate the mooncake.

Regional Variations:

There are many different regional variations of mooncakes, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and flavors. Some of the most popular regional mooncakes include:

* Cantonese Mooncakes: These are the most common type of mooncake, and are typically made with a thin and crispy skin and a filling of lotus seed paste or red bean paste. They may also include salted egg yolks or dried fruits.

* Chaozhou Mooncakes: These mooncakes are made with a thicker and chewier skin, and are often filled with taro paste, yam paste, or mung bean paste. They may also include salted egg yolks or dried fruits.

* Suzhou Mooncakes: These mooncakes are made with a thin and crispy skin and a filling of sweet osmanthus flowers. They may also include salted egg yolks or dried fruits.

* Ningbo Mooncakes: These mooncakes are made with a thick and chewier skin, and are often filled with salted egg yolk custard or pork floss.