Choice Morsel Samples Icy Cold Sweets, Part 2: Bingsu

Some research I came across in the New York Times a few weeks ago showed that drinking a slushie — a syrup flavored ice slurry — increases the capacity for athletes to exercise in very hot weather.

I doubt that comes as a surprise to the millions of people who survive the hot sun day after day and year after year throughout Asia. Whether they live in China or Japan, Thailand or Korea, they have long known that shaved ice confections are one great way to beat the heat.

In Korea, a heaping bowl of bingsu is the answer to the summertime blues.

Read about bingsu after the jump.

Traditional bingsu includes red beans, fresh fruit, even ice cream, over shaved ice, but lately I've even seen chocolate and strawberry sauces make an appearance, blurring the lines between bingsu and an ice cream sundae.

You don’t need to brave a hot, sticky Korean summer to sample bingsu for yourself.

Just stop into Seoul Bakery, located inside the H Mart in Federal Way, to give it a try.

Their bingsu (shown above) includes red beans, lychee jelly and garro, a multigrain powder. It is piled with strawberries, oranges and pineapple and drizzled with condensed milk before it’s topped with whipped cream and decorated with chocolate sauce.

It’s a sight to behold.

And while this icy treat is sure to cool you off, don’t plan on exercising after eating.

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