Yuanhetang
Batch 1Est. 1916
Founding
Yuanhetang was founded in 1916 by the Zhuang brothers, first making candied fruits around Qingyang in Jinjiang before moving into Quanzhou city.
What made it famous
Its sweet-and-sour preserved fruits won over southern Fujian and travelled with emigrants to Hong Kong, Macau and Southeast Asia, becoming a taste of home for the diaspora.
Signature craft
Local plums, olives and bayberries are selected, salted, candied and sun-dried, with care taken to keep the fruit whole and the sweetness balanced against the tartness.
Cultural standing
Yuanhetang is a state-recognised China Time-honored Brand (Zhonghua Laozihao) and remains one of Quanzhou's signature food names.