How Chinese people create sweet orange 🍊 candy

[0:00]This is how China has turned simple oranges into a legendary candy for centuries. It's a process that takes a lot of time to create, but the result is worth waiting. After a quick wash, four shallow cuts are made around the sides, but they aren't deep. The goal here is to keep the fruit whole while opening it up for maximum flavor. A gentle press flattens the orange into a flower shape. Then it's steamed. This is the secret step that strips away the natural bitterness of the peel. Now the patience begins. They're cured in sugar inside traditional ceramic jars for 15 days. Then move to bamboo trays to slow dry under the sun. One final simmer in sugar and water, and they transform into soft, translucent citrus candies. This is the traditional Gaojo Mandarin Orange.