蜜餞是一種以桃、杏、李、棗或冬瓜、生姜等果蔬為主要原料，經糖或蜂蜜或食鹽腌制等工藝制成的中國傳統小食，這道甜蜜的歷史悠久的小吃，仿佛是時間在味蕾上輕盈跳躍的音符，穿越千年，依然能讓人回味無窮。

Candied fruit is a traditional Chinese snack made from peaches, apricots, plums, dates, winter melons, ginger, and other fruits and vegetables, preserved with sugar, honey, or salt. This sweet treat, with its long history, is like a bright, fleeting note that dances on the taste buds. Even after thousands of years, it continues to leave a lingering, delightful aftertaste.

在古代，蜂蜜作為自然界中最原始的甜味劑，被先民們發現并利用。起初，人們可能是出于保存食物的需要，將新鮮水果浸泡在蜂蜜中，意外地發現這樣處理過的果子不僅能夠長時間保存，而且味道變得更加甜美。這種簡單的蜜制水果，便是蜜餞的雛形。

In ancient times, honey—the earliest natural sweetener—was discovered and used by our ancestors. Initially, people may have soaked fresh fruit in honey simply to preserve it, only to find that this method not only extended the fruit’s shelf life but also enhanced its sweetness. This simple honey-soaked fruit was the original form of candied fruit.

如今，蜜餞不僅僅是一種食品，它還蘊含著深厚的文化意義。在中國傳統文化中，蜜餞常被用作祭祀供品，寓意甜蜜和吉祥，象征著對美好生活的祈愿。同時，蜜餞也是節日和慶典中的必備佳品，親友間相互贈送，傳遞著甜蜜與溫情。

Today, candied fruit carries deeper cultural meaning beyond its delicious flavor. In traditional Chinese culture, it is often used as an offering in ceremonies, symbolizing sweetness, good fortune, and prayers for a better life. It is also an essential part of festivals and celebrations, where friends and family exchange these sweet gifts as expressions of warmth and goodwill.

責編：玄賀彤