Grape tongue hulu (also called "húlu") is a traditional Chinese street‑food candy where fruit is coated in hot sugar syrup and hardened on a stick. Historically, fruit‑on‑a‑stick treats were sold at festivals and markets as a sweet, portable snack, symbolizing abundance and good luck.

In northern China, hulu often uses hawthorn or persimmon, while southern regions favor grapes, strawberries, or tropical fruits. Some versions add a thin layer of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture.

Vendors typically serve the candy grapes on wooden sticks, displayed in a tray, and customers eat them immediately while the sugar coating is still crisp. They are often enjoyed as a quick sweet treat alongside tea or other snacks.

Hulu is popular during Lunar New Year, Mid‑Autumn Festival, and local temple fairs, where bright, glossy fruit candies symbolize prosperity and the sweetness of the coming year.

The contrast of a juicy, fresh grape with a thin, glass‑like sugar shell creates a unique bite‑texture that is both crisp and juicy. The quick hardening technique also gives the candy a glossy, jewel‑like appearance.

Common errors include stirring the syrup after it boils, which causes crystallization, and not using an ice‑water bath cold enough to crack the sugar coating. Also, wet grapes will prevent the syrup from adhering properly.

Hardening the skewer tip first creates a solid anchor that holds the grapes securely during the second dip, preventing them from sliding off when the hot syrup is applied.

Yes, you can prepare the candy a day ahead. Store the finished grapes in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay crisp for up to a week. Refrigeration can cause the sugar shell to become sticky.

The coating should be clear, glossy, and crackle when tapped. It should feel hard to the touch but break cleanly with a gentle snap, revealing the fresh grape underneath.

The YouTube channel More Nick focuses on quick, fun, and visually appealing snack‑style recipes that are easy for home cooks, often featuring creative twists on classic treats and street‑food favorites.

More Nick emphasizes minimal equipment, fast preparation, and playful presentation, showing viewers how to turn everyday ingredients like grapes and sugar into eye‑catching candy treats without complex techniques.