[jackbl]

Xu xoa is a super summer snack
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Xu xoa is made of rau cau, brown edible seaweed

No-one knows when xu xoa (agar) appears but people know when summer comes you can bet your bottom dollar that xu xoa will be on sale in all country markets.

To make xu xoa you need rau cau, edible brown seaweed grown in coastal regions or brackish water area. When the tide falls, rau cau clings onto mud or rocks and people often pick it from January to July.

To make xu xoa is simple but requires patience and skill. Dried rau cau is soaked in water to open it out and release the dirt. You clean rau cau until limpid, then you put it into the water pot and put it on the fire for 20 minutes.

To make rau cau done well and easy to harden, you need some drops of lemon. After that you filter it. When the rau cau water is cool, it will be tough enough for xu xoa. Xu xoa must be enjoyed with boiled sugar with ginger and some ice. The sweet soup is a great summer snack.