Tanghulu, a traditional Asian street food, has become a popular recipe trend on social media, captivating many with its simple yet stunning presentation.
However, while social media is often a fantastic way to discover new recipes, not all hacks are as safe as they seem. What parents and grandparents don't know about this ‘easy' recipe trend could be downright dangerous.
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Using the Microwave For This Treat Can Be Dangerous
Tanghulu is a treat in which fresh fruit is coated in molten sugar that hardens into a shiny candy shell. It is typically heated on the stove to achieve the necessary high temperature for the sugar to crystallize. However, some TikTokers have devised a microwave method for making Tanghulu, a hack that has proven hazardous and has resulted in serious burns.
Dr. Colleen Ryan, a renowned burn specialist from Shriners Children, has raised the alarm about this dangerous hack. She shared about the severe injuries she has seen as a result of attempting to make Tanghulu in the microwave.
"When sugar is melted in the microwave like this, it has a high heat capacity, meaning it stores the heat energy," said Dr. Ryan. "If spilled, it can create a severe scald burn, much like spilling hot soup, but it can cause a much deeper burn because of sugar's properties. Kids or teens can quickly grab the pot or bowl, and the hot fluid splashes, spills, or splatters over them. The result is one or several small but very deep burns, often in critical areas such as the hand or the face."
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The Tanghulu Recipe Has Resulted In Severe Burns
The trend has already resulted in several cases of severe burns, particularly in children and teens who may not fully understand the risks involved. Dr. Ryan shared that in just two weeks, she treated two young patients with deep burns from attempting this social media hack. These injuries were not just painful but also left lasting scars, both physically and emotionally.
The best way to prevent these injuries is awareness and supervision. Dr. Ryan urges parents and grandparents to monitor their children's social media use closely, especially regarding trends involving cooking or DIY projects. While it might seem fun and harmless, making Tanghulu in the microwave is not a safe shortcut.
“Parents should be careful and ensure their children have learned proper cooking safety and take preventive measures. Many burn injuries we see at Shriners Children's Boston are scalding injuries that come from preparing hot food or liquids, so our goal is to educate parents and kids about the potential dangers," she said.
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Parents and grandparents can take these precautions to help protect their loved ones from potentially life-altering injuries. Social media is full of creativity and inspiration, but it's essential to approach these trends cautiously and prioritize safety above all else.
Proverbs 4:7 “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
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@catherine.desserts Microwave tanghulu in under 5 minutes 😍 #tanghulu #candiedfruit #recipe #microwave ♬ ESPRESSO – ✈️🪩
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Featured Image Credit: Tiktok/catherine.desserts