the cantonese sweet and salty glaze is extraordinary crossword

Sandra Almird

2 min read

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02-01-2025

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Decoding the Delicious: Unpacking the "Cantonese Sweet and Salty Glaze" Crossword Clue

Crossword puzzles often present us with delightful challenges, forcing us to think creatively and flex our knowledge muscles. One such clue that has likely stumped many solvers is the description of a particular culinary delight: "Cantonese sweet and salty glaze is extraordinary." This clue, frequently found in various crossword puzzles (and potentially sourced from sites like CrosswordFiend—though specific attribution requires knowing the exact puzzle), hints at a specific ingredient or dish known for its unique flavor profile. Let's delve deeper and uncover the answer.

The Answer: While the exact wording of the clue might vary slightly across different crosswords, the answer consistently points to GUM (as in, plum sauce/gum).

Why Gum?

Cantonese cuisine is renowned for its masterful balancing of sweet and salty flavors. The particular glaze referenced in the clue refers to a thickened plum sauce, sometimes called "plum gum" or simply "gum" in abbreviated form. This isn't the chewing gum you might be thinking of! Instead, this "gum" is a rich, syrupy sauce typically made from plums, sugar, and sometimes spices like star anise or ginger. This produces a complex flavor that expertly blends the sweetness of the fruit with the savory depth often provided by soy sauce or other salty ingredients.

Expanding on the "Extraordinary" Aspect:

The clue uses "extraordinary" to emphasize the unique and exceptional quality of this glaze. This delicious sauce isn't just a simple sweetener; it elevates dishes to another level. Its deep, complex flavors add an element of sophistication and memorability to any dish it graces.

Examples of Dishes Featuring This Glaze:

This versatile glaze isn't confined to a single dish. It shines in numerous Cantonese culinary creations:

• Roasted meats: The glaze creates a beautiful, glossy finish on roasted duck, pork, or chicken, adding a burst of sweet and savory flavor.
• Stir-fries: A spoonful of plum gum can transform a simple stir-fry into a complex and flavorful experience.
• BBQ Sauces: It can be incorporated into BBQ sauces to give them a distinct Asian twist.

Beyond the Crossword Clue:

Understanding this clue expands your culinary knowledge. You can now appreciate the depth and complexity of Cantonese cuisine and confidently use the term "plum gum" when exploring regional Chinese cooking. You might even try making this glaze yourself – numerous recipes are available online!

In Conclusion:

The "Cantonese sweet and salty glaze is extraordinary" crossword clue cleverly hides the answer "GUM" behind a descriptive phrase that highlights the exceptional character of this essential ingredient in Cantonese cuisine. By understanding the cultural context and culinary applications, the clue becomes much easier to solve, and hopefully, you’ve gained a new appreciation for the delicious world of plum sauce!