Vegan, Gluten-Free Crystal Candy

Silky Gem crystal candies are inspired by Vietnamese Lunar new year traditions, which have started since the Thục Dynasty (257–207 BC)

These treats are used to serve our guests with tea or rice wine and are known to bring health, wealth and good fortune in the new year. 

My name is Gia Huynh, and I am the founder of Silky Gem. I was born in Vietnam, and grew up in a poor family. Lunar New Year's treats were always a luxury for me as a little girl. I remember every year there was only one chance to eat this candy  called " Mứt Rau Câu, Mứt Rong Sụn ". My mom and grandma would make it every year with others candied crystallized treats called "Mứt" as our family traditions was passed down from my grandmas - great grandmas over decades, We put all of our sweets in a tray to treat our guests to come visit for the new year, we like to treat them with sweet treats and tea as our tradition.  But I remember the taste and how happy I was whenever I was able to get this special treat.

photo: Wxwenku

Traditionally our Mứt Rau Câu made from sea moss agar. Packed with lots of different nutrients. Sea moss after boiled down into liquid forms then add sugars and fruits for flavoring then sun dry for 5-7 days. 

These easy to make dried agar candies are found in many Asian countries. The Japanese wagashi form is called kohakutou, while in Indonesia it is agar Agar Kering. Thai version called Kanom Woon Grop.

I moved to USA, and these memories kept coming back from time to time, so I decided to bring these treats back to life. Combining the traditions of Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the Japanese Kohakutou art form, I hope these candies bring nothing but joy and luck for everyone who comes across them.